PHOENIX — Special Olympics Arizona is one of the five local charities that benefit from ABC15's annual Operation Santa Claus.
Since 1975, the organization has provided a safe and supportive space for people of all abilities and ages to learn and compete in a wide variety of sports.
One of them is golf.
We tagged along for practice at Dobson Ranch Golf Course in Mesa and asked Special Olympics Arizona athlete Will Horton what he's hoping for.
"Well, I've been hoping for having fun and playing my best," answered Horton.
For the past five years, Horton has only had great days on the greens.
We asked Horton what he felt when he hit a hole-in-one.
"That made me feel, like I feel like pretty good with it," said Horton.
It's a sentiment Kristen Amberson, another athlete, agrees with, especially since she's paired up with her favorite golf partner.
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Jan. 8, 2011. It's a day so many Arizonans and people all over this country will always remember — the day of the Tucson shooting. Survivor Patricia Maisch spoke with ABC15 to reflect on the tragedy 14 years later.
"It's hard to believe it's already been 14 years since the tragedy that unfolded that day. I was a reporter in Yuma at the time but went to Tucson to cover what had happened. What amazes me about Pat Maisch is that she is so modest. She and many others played critical roles in saving lives that day. They were fellow Americans - fellow Arizonans - who we lost. It's important to keep the memories of the victims alive and we reflect on that moment, albeit painful, to make sure their legacy lives on." - Nick Ciletti
"My mom is the best partner in the world," said Amberson.
The dynamic duo even won gold at a Special Olympics tournament.
"It took us 10 years," said Amberson's mom, Barbara, when asked what it felt like to win the gold.
"It was exciting and my anxiety was going," laughed Amberson.
Amberson and Horton are two of the more than 21,000 athletes who are part of Special Olympics Arizona. It's an organization where every single person is accepted and welcomed regardless of their ability or disability.
Pete Celmer, a coach with Special Olympics Arizona, tells us he sees the organization's value firsthand as they allow every participant to explore their capabilities while being surrounded by encouragement.
"You teach them and you go along and then you grow with them and you learn as much as they do, and then when the time comes and they're up they're, number one on the podium. It's an excellent feeling," said Celmer.
For more information on Special Olympics Arizona and the other charities that benefit from Operation Santa Claus, click here.
