'Experience of a lifetime'

Special Olympian Chris Clapper didn't return from the USA Games golf tournament with any heavy hardware, but he did bring back memories to last a lifetime. Clapper represented Ohio when he competed in the USA Games from June 6-9 at the Orange County National Golf Center in Winter Garden, Florida. The USA Games are held every three years and are sponsored by Special Olympics. "It was an experience of a lifetime," said Melanie Williams, Special Olympics coordinator for Hancock County. "Chris didn't win, but he competed well and was an excellent representative for Hancock County and the state of Ohio. We're very proud of him." Clapper played nine holes each day of the four-day competition and earned a participation ribbon. More than 200 athletes participated in the 2022 USA Games golf event, which included skills competitions, along with individual, unified and alternate stroke contests. "The skill at this level was very impressive," Williams said. "Chris was not intimidated, but the shots just weren't dropping for him. I know Chris and he'll bounce back from this in time for this summer's regional and state competitions." Clapper will compete in the regional competition in August and the Ohio Special Olympic Golf Tournament in Cincinnati in September. He qualified for the USA Games by shooting a career-best 54 for nine holes and winning his division at the Ohio Special Olympics competition in 2019. Clapper played in the Hancock County Special Olympics Golf Outing 18 years ago and got the golfing bug. His dad worked with him and helped hone his game. Clapper's parents, Charles and Paula Clapper of Findlay, were on hand to watch their son compete in Florida. For years, Clapper played unified golf, in which individuals with disabilities are paired with golfers without disabilities, and from there began playing singles. "We're proud of Chris, but a lot of credit needs to go to Melanie Williams for her passionate work with all our Special Olympians," said Kelli Grisham, superintendent of Blanchard Valley Center/Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities. "She is a tireless worker on behalf of our athletes and we're fortunate to have her in Hancock County." The expenses for Clapper and Williams were paid for by Special Olympics Ohio. Anyone interested in volunteering with or coaching Special Olympic in Hancock County should contact Williams at mwilliams@blanchardvalley.org or 419-422-6387, ext. 1024.