The sun was shining at Renfrew Golf Club last Friday, as Celtic FC Foundation’s annual golf event took place for the eighth time. A great day was had by all and a fantastic net total in the region of £12,000 raised, in support of our Ability Counts projects.
The event was sponsored, once again, by our wonderful friends at Frux Private Bank, who also generously donated the prize for the winning team – an opportunity to take part in one of their Frux Golf World Tour events, with an all-expenses paid trip to the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, Frux were unable to join us this year following the sad passing of founding member Stig Engstrom and we send them our deepest condolences.
The event saw 23 teams compete for the coveted Golf Day title, including a trio of former Celts – John Collins, Stephen McManus and Cillian Sheridan. Golf Day regulars John Fallon and Tom Boyd were also once again in attendance, taking part in other teams.
The day kicked-off with breakfast rolls in the clubhouse before the obligatory group photo on the 10th hole, followed by tee-off at 10am.
After a fantastic day of golf in the sunshine, the scores were tallied up and this year’s winners were announced. Congratulations once again to JJ Welsh, Ian Kilpatrick, Richard Hart and Tam McManus, who posted a tremendous score to claim the top prize.
After lunch, guests watched a video piece showcasing the Ability Counts projects and then heard from Gillian Gallacher, the Foundation’s Disability and Inclusion Manager, who highlighted the impact on participants and their families.
Ability Counts was initially developed, in consultation with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, in 2010 and launched in February, 2011. It is grounded on a simple model of inclusivity, companionship and most importantly, fun. Through physical activity, sport and team-based play, our sessions allow participants a sense of freedom, affording them opportunities to express their feelings in a relaxed, comfortable environment.
Initially engaging young people with Down’s Syndrome, the project’s range of delivery has steadily evolved over the years. Expanding in 2015 to include those living with Autism, this growth continued in 2017 with the introduction of Ability Counts 18+, which provides a pathway for participants of adult age, to support and encourage independent living skills.
The geographical reach of the project has also expanded, with the introduction of Ability Counts Ireland in 2018 and this addition incorporates elements from previous strands, focusing on multi-sport, play and personal development.
Guests then enjoyed a fantastic Q&A with the former Celts, led by our host Gerry McCulloch, as each shared stories and insight from their time with the club, before the Golf Day was rounded off with an auction and prize draw.
Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, spoke of his gratitude to all of those who contributed to the success of the event, saying: “Friday was another fantastic day at Renfrew Golf Club and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed and helped raise a fantastic amount for our Ability Counts projects.
“Thanks to each and every one of our Golf Day teams, including the former Celts.
“And we owe a huge debt of gratitude, as always, to our Golf Day sponsor, Frux Private Bank who continue to offer tremendous backing for this event year after year.
“Thanks also to all of those who donated items for our auction and prize draw including the R&A, Brian Mellon of Avoca Wealth Management, John Hartson, Stephen Gallacher, the Royal Burgess Golfing Society, John Hughes, Topgolf Glasgow, Cameron House, Tom Lovering, Hayston Golf Club and many, many more – as well as Bell & Bain, who kindly donated printed materials for the day.
“Finally thank you once again to Renfrew Golf Club who, as always, looked after us perfectly.”
To register your interest in our 2024 Golf Day, please email [email protected] or call 0141 551 4321.
