Many of you will know that later this year golf will return to the Olympic schedule after a 112 year hiatus, and quite rightly so. What you may not know is that prior to the opening carnival in the streets of Rio, there is a Special Olympics about to begin in Beijing.

YOB Golf will be helping in a very small way by donating some products to a young man whom they hope will make a big impression in this event and many more in the future. Lewis Eccles will be heading east in the hope of striking gold as he continues his rapid rise to success. At just 15 years old and suffering from the complex mix of Autism, ADHD and Dyspraxia, Lewis has found the regular activities of a teenager more taxing than most; however in golf he has found his calling. Throughout his childhood, Lewis, like many children with his disorder, struggled to make friends or socially engage with his peers. It was when he was 11 and his school recognised his interest in golf that Lewis really embraced the sport, and didn’t just begin to succeed in his own pursuits, but also began to build personal relationships with other children who began to take an interest in the sport.

Lewis really embraced this new found confidence, and combined with his natural ability became decorated with the ‘Golf Foundation President Award’ for his work in promoting the sport. This award lead to further attention and invites to various disabled golf events, winning his first Junior UK Championship title at his first attempt aged just 12. The following year Lewis went on to win another 5 titles many of which in Adult events, as well as gaining international honours for England Disabled golf. It is from the sudden rise that Lewis’ abilities have become noticed, and led to the young prodigy getting the call to represent his country in the most converted way.

Lewis’s rise through the game of golf has been like an express train and therefore there is no better place to head than the orient. I’m certain Lewis will be on top form when the competition begins, it’s our job to support his efforts and highlight the challenges he has overcome to get where he is today.

We look forward to hearing how he gets on.

Published on: April 25th, 2016