Jason Muldoon shot a 98 on June 10 at Spallumchen Golf & Country Club in Vernon and secured a spot at the national golf tournament next month.

"I came second and I qualified for the finals in Hamilton," he said, about the nine-hole qualifier.

Special Olympics BC recently introduced golf in this area as a demonstration sport, and Muldoon is a shoo-in.

The 40-year-old Special Olympics athlete has been golfing since he was six with his dad Joe.

"He's a great man. He's Scottish and talks funny," Muldoon explained.

The South Delta Secondary grad has lived in Maple Ridge with Marian and Harry Schwaiger since 2004.

Nationals will take place at Chippewa Creek Golf Club in Mount Hope (Hamilton), Ont. on Sept. 27 to 30.

The national golf tournament is a high-performance training platform for golf athletes as Special Olympics Canada develops golf across the nation.

The competition will feature athlete-development sessions, coach-education clinics, sport-technical forums, and a national-competition experience.

Currently, Special Olympics BC provides high-quality sports programs and competitions that help people with intellectual disabilities celebrate personal achievement and gain confidence, skills, and friendships.

Muldoon is cousins with local football legend Paul McCallum, the kicker for the BC Lions.

"Jason was always joking around and inquisitive. He is very fond of my mom and dad," said McCallum, who is two years older than Jason.

"Way back when he was into floor hockey, and when he talked about it, you could see the spark in his eye," he added. "[Sports and Special Olympics] are very good for these athletes. It teaches team spirit and that has been something good for him - an all-round positive atmosphere for him," McCallum added.

There are now more than 3,900 Special Olympics athletes participating in year-round programs in 55 communities around B.C., supported by more than 2,900 volunteers.

Special Olympics BC offers opportunities to train and compete in 18 sports through year-round programs and local, provincial, national, and international competitions.

Through these sports, the athletes gain more than just physical benefits from improved health and athletic abilities.

Through their participation, they develop social skills and friendships while increasing their self-esteem.

smclaren@mrtimes.com