Five-A-Side Golf tournament “Galfcuig” 2 April, 2004

On the 2nd April this year at Gulf Harbour Country Club, the Ireland Fund of New Zealand in association with the Special Olympics New Zealand, again held the World First “Galfcuig” plus one Golf Fundraising Tournament.

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Galfcuig roughly translates as Five-a-Side Golf® and involves teams of five men and ladies playing with one ball each. To make it even more interesting, each player has to pick the one club that they will use for the entire round: you pick the driver and you could end up having to play out of the bunkers with it! A seriously unserious day out, the round of Galfcuig was be followed by a green tie dinner and charity auction.

This year Special Olympics and the Ireland Fund invited Special Olympian Ireland golf player – Rita Dunne – to New Zealand to take part in the event. Rita represented Special Olympics Ireland at the World Games 2003 in golf. Rita was accompanied by her minder Anne.

“We are very pleased that Ms Dunne has agreed to join us for this year’s Galfcuig event,” says Special Olympics New Zealand CEO Angus McLeod. “Following such a successful World Games, in particular the strength of the friendships built while the team was in Ireland, Special Olympics New Zealand feels a strong connection to our Irish counterparts, and Ms Dunne presence recognizes that the feeling is mutual.”

The tournament was followed by a 'green bow tie' dinner, auction and “hooley” involving lots of food, dancing and laughter. This year’s event was a roaring success with the proceeds of $15,000 split between The New Zealand Irish Fund and Special Olympics’ sports development programme.