June 24, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. -

Friday afternoon Kansas Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger and over 100 supporters gathered at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence for a day of golf, food, fun, and most importantly, to raise money for Douglas County Special Olympics.

"I can’t imagine a better cause to be involved with,” said Zenger of the event. “When you get a chance to meet and know some of the athletes that participate, it makes it that much more special.”

The Douglas County Special Olympics team is a totally volunteer-run organization that provides year-round sports and training to individuals with special needs in the Douglas County area. All of the proceeds from Zenger’s Golf Classic benefit the local program, which will help fund the purchasing of sports equipment, uniforms and travel.

“This was something we did on a regular basis at Illinois State,” added Zenger of supporting the Special Olympics. “It was something that, over the past six years, I have grown very accustomed to, and I’m happy to continue the tradition now that I’m in Lawrence.”

Founded in 1970, Special Olympics Kansas has grown to include more than 100 local programs and teams across the state. Today, it touches the lives of 5,580 athletes who train and compete year round in 22 sports.

For more information about Douglas County Special Olympics, visit www.dcsojayhawks.org.