I GOT THIS Invitational
For Immediate Release
I GOT THIS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES AZ INVITATIONAL
Continuing the I GOT THIS Foundation mission to bring professional golf instruction and playing opportunities to the intellectual disability community.
Phoenix, AZ, January 26, 2023…I GOT THIS FOUNDATION, a 501(C)(3) dedicated to delivering professional golf instruction and playing opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, officially announced the launch of the inaugural I GOT THIS Invitational which will be held at Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, AZ on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
The 25-player invitational is an 18-hole independent event utilizing player caddies. Included in the field is Amy Bockerstette, a disabilities advocate with Down syndrome who burst onto the scene when she parred the famed 16th hole of the 2019 WM Phoenix Open playing alongside PGA TOUR player and 2019 US Open Champion, Gary Woodland. She travels the world for speaking engagements to encourage the growth of coaching programs and tournaments like the I GOT THIS Invitational.
This event is made possible with the support of XXIO and supporting sponsor Visit Mesa | Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion. “Mesa is the world’s first AUTISM CERTIFIED city making it a natural fit to partner with the I GOT THIS Foundation today and for years to come. Sports should be enjoyed by everyone and I GOT THIS brings the world of golf to so many,” said Lance Fite, Director of Sports Sales for Visit Mesa.
Golfers were invited from the Arizona intellectual disability golfing community, including participants of the I GOT THIS Golf Academies, True North Golf Academy and Special Olympics Arizona. “The opportunity to connect golfers around the state helps to build awareness and grow available programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Preston is thrilled to meet and compete with other golfers,” commented Chris Hite, whose son Preston will be competing in the event.
This marks the first competitive event presented by the I GOT THIS Foundation with more to follow later this year. There are initial plans for a Ryder Cup style event, with Arizona golfers hosting Texas to be held at The San Marcos Golf Course in Chandler in May as well as an I GOT THIS Open to take place at the end of the year. “In the past two years we have experienced great support from industry partners around Arizona and beyond,” said foundation Executive Director Tracy Hupko. “ We are excited to use that support to deliver competitive playing opportunities for our athletes. This is a small step for golf, but it will help us continue to push the boundaries of diversity and inclusion in the industry.”
The 2023 I GOT THIS Invitational is free to spectators.
For more information on the I GOT This Foundation please visit www.igotthis.foundation .
I GOT THIS Foundation
I GOT THIS Foundation, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing golf instruction, playing opportunities, and organized events, for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The Foundation is committed to teaching people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to play golf, paving the way for them to compete in leagues with typical peers, join high school teams and even obtain athletic college scholarships. Golf is a sport where everyone plays the same game on the same field. Our vision is that people with intellectual disabilities become included in those games. For more information visit www.igotthis.foundation.
VISIT MESA
Visit Mesa, the destination marketing organization for the City of Mesa, is proud to partner with the I Got This Foundation and build on our designation as the only Certified Autism City in America, to welcome and serve those with all disabilities. The Mesa Regional Foundation for Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion is also dedicated to the ongoing effort to improve the resident and visitor experience by elevating Mesa’s already leading position as an accessible and inclusive city through purposeful education and innovative technology.
