Today’s blog article is written by Jane Siebers, Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Morton Golf Foundation.
What a powerful morning! On Monday, July 13, I watched from the State Capitol as the Special Olympics torch run came through Sacramento on its way to the Los Angeles Coliseum for the July 25 Opening Day of the World Summer Games. The flame in the torch that passed through Sacramento on Monday morning was lit on May 14 in Greece and it’s the same flame that will make its way to Los Angeles for the Opening Ceremonies. Over 165 Countries will be represented at these Summer Games with over 7,000 Special Olympic Athletes competing.
One of Morton Golf Foundation’s own California Eagles, Jonathan Sparks, age 54 from Elk Grove, CA is honored to have been chosen among the World Special Olympic Athletes to be a part of the Final Leg Team for the Torch Run for the Opening Day of the World Summer Games.
On Monday, July 13, on the steps of the California State Capitol, there were Special Olympic Athletes from around the world! This Final Leg Team will stop over 125 times in the next 12 days spreading the mission of the Special Olympics and educating the world about the Summer Games.
Jonathan Sparks has been a participant and/or volunteer with Special Olympic for over 35 years. He has been involved with the California Eagles which is a golf program for all ages with special needs that is hosted at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, CA. Jonathan not only has had the opportunity to play golf, he also has two additional passions in his life. He enjoys swimming and singing. On a few occasions, Jonathan has been chosen from the Morton Golf Foundation to sing “America the Beautiful” at golf events as he sends off the golfers in true American Spirit.
Jonathan was delighted and surprised to see several friends join him at this powerful ceremony on the State Capitol steps. Jonathan was a keynote speaker and told us about how his dad carried him over the finish line several years ago and how proud of a moment that was as he celebrated with his dad. It was also pointed out later from another speaker how special it is to remember who was with you during the proudest achievements in your life. He thanked the family, friends and supporters for coming out to remember this event as a very proud moment.
Jonathan pointed out that the torch for him represents Faith and Hope for the future.
Everyone with the Morton Golf Foundation and at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex is very PROUD of Jonathan Sparks and the achievements he continues to make each and every day.
About The Morton Golf Foundation
The Morton Golf Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit corporation established and operated exclusively for charitable purposes. The Morton Golf Foundation vision is to enrich the lives of the less fortunate through the great game of golf. For more information on the Morton Golf Foundation, or to donate your time or money, please contact Jane Siebers at 916-808-0969 or via email at jsiebers@hagginoaks.com.
