Owens enjoying Special Olympics volunteer experience

When Leonard Owens retired last year after 41 years behind the counter at Royal Dublin he looked to a future that included some travel, a lot of social golf and time spent in his garden.

The storied professional, so long associated with the Bull Island links, never considered the possibility that he would be drawn back to the game in the role of Special Olympics volunteer. Yet, 12 months after 'retiring', Leonard is embracing a new golf-related assignment.

“People say to you when you've retired, 'it must be great', but the job I was doing was all about communicating with people and I missed that,” said Leonard.

“Over the years I have done a fair bit of fundraising for different charities including the Special Olympics but I never really got involved in terms of giving my own time. I was happy to collect some money and leave the getting involved to other people.

“Working as a club professional, I really didn't have the time. But this experience is so much better; it is more rewarding. When the players hit a shot now they will come over and say, 'Did you see that Leonard?' They never quit, they never give up.”

Leonard explained that the chance to get involved in the Special Olympics came about completely by accident.

He added; “My plumber, his son has Down Syndrome. He is in his teens and is a very good golfer who happens to be a member at Royal Dublin. He plays to a handicap of around 20 but he has the potential to come down.

“It was through that connection that I found myself up at the Elm Eagles Special Olympics Club.We have around 10 participants and I guess 25-30 coaches and parents.”

The 68-year-old continued; “I've not done any coaching yet. But now that they know that I am a retired professional, they are asking me to do some coaching so at some stage that might happen.

“I may be being optimistic, but hopefully I can help a bit.”

The Special Olympics relies heavily on volunteers like Leonard to provide help and support at various time throughout the year.

For more information about the Special Olympics and to find out how you can get involved click here.