It was a magnificent seventh year at Renfrew Golf Club for Celtic FC Foundation’s Golf Day, as we welcomed supporters once again for another hugely successful event, with a fantastic net total in the region of £11,000 raised, in support of our Ability Counts project.
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.
The event saw 21 teams compete for the coveted Golf Day title, including a team of former Celts, this year made up of Willie McStay, George McCluskey and Cillian Sheridan. They were also joined on the course by two further ex-players in John Fallon and Tom Boyd, who took part among other Golf Day teams.
The sun was shining as we gathered all 84 golfers together for a group photo, before the former Celts got the tournament underway at the 10th hole. Following a fantastic day of golf, the scores were tallied up and this year’s winners were announced. Congratulations once again to Connor Rae, Pieter Meinen, Ross McDonnell and Ryan Orr, who posted the best score of the day to claim the top prize.
Following a superb three-course lunch, guests then heard from Donna-Marie Henry, the Foundation’s Head of Outcomes, who spoke about our Ability Counts project, before guests watched a VT which further showcased the project’s work.
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 in partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland. 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, who shared some 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: “Yet again, we’ve had a wonderful day at Renfrew, in the best of company and a fantastic amount raised for our Ability Counts project.
“I would like to thank all of the Golf Day teams who turned up and supported us, including the former Celts involved – Willie, George, Cillian, John and Tom.
“Our Golf Day sponsor, Frux Private Bank displayed phenomenal generosity by providing not only a financial contribution but also an incredible prize for our winners and we’d like to express our great thanks for their amazing and continued support.
“Thanks also to all of those who have donated items for our auction and prize draw including Avoca Wealth Ltd, the Woodside Aberdour, Theron Isensee, Steven Laing, American Golf, the Royal Burgess Golfing Society, Henrik Stenson, Stephen Gallacher, Mark Cameron and many, many more, as well as Bell & Bain, who kindly donated printed materials for the day.
“Finally thank you to Renfrew Golf Club, who have looked after us tremendously well, as always.”
To register your interest in our 2023 Golf Day, please email [email protected] or call 0141 551 4321.
