St. Catharines, ON – August 10, 2025
This past Sunday, the Special Olympics Ontario – St. Catharines Golf Team, the Chippawa Chippers, came together at the Legends on the Niagara driving range to take on the 1000 Ball Challenge. Twenty enthusiastic Special Olympics athletes participated, determined to hit 1,000 golf balls in support of their own golf programs.
The team has already raised an incredible $5,670 and counting. These funds will help ensure athletes have continued access to golf courses, tee times, practice facilities, and coaching.
A Day Full of Fun and Teamwork
The weather was hot, but it did not seem to affect the athletes as they worked together and completed the challenge in just under two hours. An incredible feat! During the session everyone participated in a friendly long drive and target contests. With Otto Lutz and Tess Trojan taking the crown home for the long drive competition and Mikey Rocco winning the target contest!
Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario, shared, “Having these athletes come together for an afternoon at the driving range, having fun really shows that golf has the power to shape people’s lives. We are so excited to do this again with the Chippawa Chippers and more Special Olympics Ontario groups going forward.”
Heartfelt Thanks
A special thank you to the entire Chippawa Chippers team and their coach Mike Trojan for their inspiring efforts, as well as Chris Garner and Cam Zeppa from Legends on the Niagara for generously allowing the use of the driving range. Your support made this unforgettable day possible!
Still Time to Give!
Although the event has wrapped, fundraising for the Chippawa Chippers continues. The fundraising page will stay open until October 31, so if you missed your chance to donate, there’s still time to support this incredible team of athletes!
Visit the fundraising page and contribute today: https://www.1000ball.ca/t/chippawa-chippers
Ready to Create Your Own Memorable Day on the Range?
The Chippawa Chippers showed how the 1000 Ball Challenge brings people together, fuels community spirit, and celebrates the game of golf while raising important funds.
If your golf group is looking to raise funds for your own programs, the 1000 Ball Challenge is a fun and impactful way to make it happen. Learn more and sign up today at www.1000ball.ca.
