Olympic icon Bob Beamon attending Special Olympics events
Bob Beamon in his record-setting long jump
(CNS Local Life): US Olympic gold medallist and record-holding long jumper Bob Beamon is coming to Cayman for the Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI) signature fundraising golf tournament and awards evening. On Friday, 20 January, the Special Olympics ambassador will attend the sixth annual Cayman National Eric Crutchley Memorial Golf Tournament, SOCI’s major fundraiser for the year.
The next day, the organisation’s volunteers will be recognised during the Unsung Heroes gala.
Beamon leapt into record books during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. The then 22-year-old’s record 29 feet, 2 1⁄2 inches jump still stands as an Olympic record to this day, nearly 50 years on. The Olympic record also stood as a world record for 23 years before being broken in 1991. After retiring from competitive track and field, Beamon continued to be involved in sports and youth development, including fundraising for the US Olympic Committee.
SOCI is also hosting Special Olympics North America Regional Sports Director, Greg Epperson; Maura Daley of Special Olympics International; and Frank Wheaton, Beamon’s lawyer as well as an athlete, journalist and actor.
Adrian Lynch, SOCI chairman, said of the visit: “We are thrilled to be able to host Mr Beamon and the team from Special Olympics North America and SOI,” adding, “not only do we appreciate the support for our fundraising efforts, but for the volunteers who make our programmes possible the international recognition is a major boost”.
In addition to his participation in the golf tournament and gala event, Beamon will be taking part in a motivational speaking clinic on Thursday, 19 January, at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, which will include SOCI and mainstream athletes from local athletics clubs and high schools.
To register a team for the golf tournament, email Seamus Tivenan or Kim Short
To purchase tickets ($150 per person or $1,500 for a table of 10)for the Unsung Heroes gala, being held at the Kimpt on Seafire Resort , email Adrian Lynch
Category: Sports, Track & Field
