The Algarve, Europe’s leading golf destination, will mark the launch of its new ‘golf4all’ campaign by hosting a new international disability golf tournament in November. Europe’s leading impaired golfers will compete in the European Disabled Golfers Association (EDGA) Algarve Open – where the winner of the 2014 EDGA Premier Series Order of Merit will be crowned – at Pestana Vila Sol, November 18-23. Golf4all targets every unique type of golfer, including disabled golfers, juniors, seniors and golfers from ‘minority’ backgrounds and the aim is to reach golfers of all ability levels, from beginners, to casual players and experienced golfers. A range of exciting ‘golf4all’ initiatives are also planned throughout 2015 to further enhance the campaign and highlight why the Algarve is one of Europe’s most popular and inclusive golf destinations.
Among those players scheduled to appear are Cédric Lescut of Belgium, who turned pro in 2002 after having the lower part of his right leg amputated; Manuel de los Santos of the Dominican Republic & France, who before having his left leg amputated was a top-level basketball player, and Spain’s first ever wheelchair golfer, Sebas Lorente. Also taking part are Monique Kalman, a Dutch paragolfer who has also won Paralympic gold in tennis; former Paralympic skiers Nino Ouraboh and Martijn Wijsman; and French amateur Charles-Henri Quélin who has +2 handicap and plays with a fused right arm.
Tony Bennett, president of the EDGA, said: “To have a partner such as the ATA (Algarve Tourism Association) supporting the EDGA Algarve Open is very important for the successful delivery of what is the first European level tournament for golfers with impairment to be held in Portugal. The event is part of the ‘golf4all’ campaign and as a resident in the Algarve I can vouch, not only for the quality of the facilities that can be found in this region of Portugal, but also for the warm and friendly reception that the players are sure to receive.”
A spokesperson for ATA said: “The Algarve is not only Europe’s number one golf destination, it is also one of the most welcoming and inclusive destinations anywhere in the world – that is something we are very proud of, and something we wanted to highlight to people with the ‘golf4all’ campaign.
For more information please visit: www.visitgolfalgarve.com
The ‘golf4all’ campaign has also been launched through ATA’s new social media channels – www.facebook.com/visitgolfalgarve and www.twitter.com/vstgolfalgarve