Through educating and sharing with others, it’s often the teacher who walks away having gained just as much as the student.
As was the case in 2012 during a clinic hosted by three-time LPGA winner I.K. Kim when she found herself doing more of the learning than teaching. She was instantly drawn to those she was spending the day with. The athletes were from Special Olympics.
“You can understand after watching the videos and meeting the people just for a couple minutes, this organization really matters,” Kim said after being named Global Ambassador for golf in Special Olympics. “For me golf is a very individual game and a lot of times I just think about how I’m going to improve myself and I think just sharing with others and if I can help other people, I think that would be great.”
Before that first clinic with Special Olympics, Kim says she was unfamiliar with the organization and has since been dedicated to increasing awareness about the good work being done.
“I’m looking forward to working with the athletes by the lessons and clinics, and mostly awareness because a year ago I didn’t know about the Special Olympics, and I think a lot of people just didn’t have the education and a lot of people don’t know about this organization.”
The South Korean hosts clinics throughout the year and around the world for Special Olympics through the Sports Resource Team for Golf as well as through her participation in the Special Olympics Regional and World Games, participating in May in the torch relay ahead of the World Games in Los Angeles in July. There are currently more than 30,000 golfers in 170 different countries participating in golf through Special Olympics.
“Hopefully my work will help other younger people to educate and inspire to make a difference in the community through Special Olympics,” said Kim.
Kim is the recent recipient of the Kia Community Assist award, which recognizes LPGA Members all season long who are volunteering in their community.
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