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Mike Mc Colgan´s Blog

October Ace Of The Month--MJ Mc Colgan

Golf wisdom from the great Ben Hogan, "I stopped trying to do a great many difficult things perfectly because it had become clear in my mind that this ambitous over-thoroughness was neither possible or even necessary."

The Ace Of The Month for October is MJ Mc Colgan from Danville, Ca. MJ has compiled an unbelievable record in N. California Amateur Golf and ´inspired many to greatness." He has won three National Special Olympics Golf Championships and been inducted into the 2004 Tri Valley Sports Hall Of Fame and 2006 Michigan Sports Hall Of Fame being a native. He also recently won his 7th straight Regional Championship at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento. He followed that victory up and was edged out by one stroke winning a Silver Medal at the N. California State Championship at Boundary Oaks in Walnut Creek, California. Golf is one of the fastest growing sports within Special Olympics with over 14,000 golfers competing nationally. MJ is currently participating in the 2007 Summer World Games being held in Shanghai, China from October 2-11. 169 countries and hundreds of thousands of people are attending this event. This is the second time the Summer World Games have been held outside the United States with the first one happening in Ireland in 2003. In addition to being a great golfer, MJ is also a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics. In that role, he speaks to businesses and organizations about winning and overcoming adversity. Like Casey Martin, he uses a golf cart to play as a result of being born with a slight strain of cerebral palsy. I am his lucky partner and coach as we compete in the Ryder Cup Alternate Shot format. MJ also recently graduated from college with a Human Services degree and works with the Dublin Police helping raise money for Special Olympics N. California. Last year the police raised $850,000 and 25 million dollars nationally. MJ has also been nominated for the 2007-2008 Nike Casey Martin award. If he wins that award, they will donate $25,000 in his name to a charity of his choice. His lofty goals include going for "08 in 2008" 8 straight Regional and N. California State Championships and working toward qualifying for the 2011 World Games that will be held in Athens, Greece. According to MJ, "I love the competition and winning never gets old." Congratulations MJ!

Hit Em Straight and look for your "Ace" story in next month´s Golf Today Magazine!

Mike L. Mc Colgan is the author of "101 Sins Of Golf," "101 Superstitions Of Golf," "Top 25 Secrets Of Golf," "Walking 18 Holes With Tiger" and newly released "The Cardinal Sins Of Golf" (inspired and dedicated to the 14,000 Special Olympic Golfers around the world and to MJ Mc Colgan, 7-time N. California Champion, 3-time National Champion, and San Francisco Tri Valley and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and sold via Amazon.com). Send your Ace stories to Attn: Mike L. Mc Colgan via e-mail lmccol3525@aol.com or call 1-877-LUV-GOLF.

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post by lmccol 22488 hours 32 minutes ago

Tres Vidas--"Pearl On The Pacific" By Mike L. Mc Colgan Recently I had the pleasure of playing legendary Tres Vidas golf course in Acapulco, Mexico. With 5 holes on the Pacific Ocean, magnificent views and an opening hole with an island green, this course is a must play when visiting Acapulco. We had a perfect Acapulco day with a light ocean breeze and temperatures in the mid 80's. I would recommend a morning tee time as the wind could make for an even more challenging golf course in the afternoon. Renowned designer Robert von Hagge says "Tres Vidas is one of the string of pearls in Mexican golf and it is going to attract a lot of attention because it is one of the most spectacular links courses on the continent." From the Championship tees it is 7209 yards and rated 77.2 with a slope of 147. It features Tifdwarf greens and Bermuda carpeted fairways. For us mortals there are 5 other tees to choose from depending on your handicap. They also have green tees for ladies that play a friendly 5126 yards. Club members and resort guests have a 72,000 beachfront club house featuring dining rooms, lounge, golf shop, locker room spa and fitness center. Hotel De Tres Vidas features elegant accommodations, a variety of private homes and villas with awesome views of the Pacific Ocean. Director Of Golf, Leo Castellanos told me that Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa recently had a match at this course with Annika beating Lorena. The course is also a 20 minute ride from the famous Acapulco Princess hotel. Golf can be arranged thru the hotel. Each golf cart also has a forecaddy to help you read the greens, select clubs and rake the traps. They speak very good English and only cost $20.00. For more information about this gem of Mexico go to www.tresvidas.com

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post by lmccol 22488 hours 30 minutes ago

"Mc Colgan Represents United States In China" Recently MJ Mc Colgan represented the United States and Northern California in Shanghai, China for the 2007 Summer Special Olympic World Games. MJ is a 3 time National Special Olympics Golf Champion and has won 7 straight N. California State Championships. He has also been inducted into the 2004 San Francisco Tri Valley Sports Hall Of Fame and 2006 Michigan Sports Hall Of Fame being a native. Like Casey Martin, he uses a golf cart to play as a result of being born with a walking disability. He competes with his dad and coach in the Ryder Cup Alternate Shot format and his mom Linda drives the cart in tournaments. His Mom was quoted at his Hall Of Fame Induction ceremony "that even though our home is filled with Gold Medals, the most important thing we have taught MJ is to focus on his abilities and not his disability." He recently graduated from college and works with the Dublin Police department. Last year he helped raise 1 million dollars as a Global Ambassador giving speeches to businesses and organizations about winning and overcoming adversity. In 2007 the police helped raise 25 million dollars nationally for Special Olympics. This was the second time the Summer World Games was held outside the United States. MJ participated in Dublin Ireland in 2003 and in 2011 they will be held in Athens, Greece. 169 countries and 3 million spectactors watched these amazing athletes "inspire greatness" in 25 different sports in Shanghai, China. At the packed 100,000 seat Shanghai Stadium Opening Ceremony, Arnold--ala Governor of California led the Amercian team and NBA basketball star Yao Ming led the Chinese team into the stadium. The 3 hour Las Vegas like show opened the Games and the World to a truly motivating week of inspiration and athletic excellence. A Chinese golfer even scored an "Ace" during the competition. MJ is looking forward to going for his 8th straight N. California State Championship in 2008 and continuing to help "inspire greatness" telling his story as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics Northern California. He has also been nominated for the 2008 Nike Casey Martin Award and San Ramon High School Sports Hall Of Fame. If he wins the Nike award, they will donate $25,000 in his name to a charity of his choice. MJ keep up the great work you truly "Inspire Greatness."

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post by lmccol 22488 hours 26 minutes ago

Mc Colgan Nominated for 2008 California Hall Of Fame MJ Mc Colgan was nominated for the 2008 California Hall Of Fame. He is very happy and we are very proud of him as there are many famous names that have been nominated and inducted. Some of them include Tiger Woods, Ronald Reagan, John Steinbeck, Steve Jobs, and John Wayne to name a few. Maria Shriver started it in 2006. She is the daughter of Eunice founder of Special Olympics and wife of Arnold the Governor of California. I have attached the link. He was also nominated for the 2008 Casey Martin Award. In addition, enjoy the links to 2 of MJ's latest books available via Amazon.com. Click here: California Hall of Fame: About Click here: Amazon.com: Walking 18 Holes With Tiger: Books: M. J. McColgan,Mike L. McColgan Click here: Amazon.com: The Cardinal Sins of Golf: Books: M. J. McColgan,Mike L. McColgan Mike ?MJ? McColgan, left, and professional golfer Casey Martin. [Photo courtesy McColgan family]

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post by lmccol 22439 hours 43 minutes ago

-Mc Colgan Nominated For 2008 California Hall Of Fame------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MJ Mc Colganwas nominated for the 2008 California Hall Of Fame. He is very happy as there are many famous names that have been nominated and inducted. Some of them include Tiger Woods, Ronald Reagan, John Steinbeck, Steve Jobs, and John Wayne to name a few. Maria Shriver started it in 2006. She is the daughter of Eunice founder of Special Olympics and wife of Arnold the Governor of California. I have attached the link. He was also nominated for the 2008 Casey Martin Award. In addition, enjoy the links to 2 of MJ's latest books available via Amazon.com. Click here: Golf Today - All about Golf Click here: California Hall of Fame: About Click here: Amazon.com: Walking 18 Holes With Tiger: Books: M. J. McColgan,Mike L. McColgan Click here: Amazon.com: The Cardinal Sins of Golf: Books: M. J. McColgan,Mike L. McColgan Mike ?MJ? McColgan, left, and professional golfer Casey Martin. [Photo courtesy McColgan family] Team Mc Colgan--MJ, Linda and Mike-"Inspiring Greatness in 2008" This is a recent article about MJ that has appeared in many newspapers and magazines across the country and our recent trip to Shanghai for the 2007 Summer World Games. It will be featured in February 2008 golf Today Magazine. Golf Today Magazine is the largest regional magazine in the country based in California. Enjoy! Team Mc Colgan-MJ, Linda and Mike--"Inspiring Greatness" "Mc Colgan Represents United States In China" Recently MJ Mc Colgan represented the United States and Northern California in Shanghai, China for the 2007 Summer Special Olympic World Games. MJ is a 3 time National Special Olympics Golf Champion and has won 7 straight N. California State Championships. He has also been inducted into the 2004 San Francisco Tri Valley Sports Hall Of Fame and 2006 Michigan Sports Hall Of Fame being a native. Like Casey Martin, he uses a golf cart to play as a result of being born with a walking disability. He competes with his dad and coach in the Ryder Cup Alternate Shot format and his mom Linda drives the cart in tournaments. His Mom was quoted at his Hall Of Fame Induction ceremony "that even though our home is filled with Gold Medals, the most important thing we have taught MJ is to focus on his abilities and not his disability." He recently graduated from college and works with the Dublin Police department. Last year he helped raise 1 million dollars as a Global Ambassador giving speeches to businesses and organizations about winning and overcoming adversity. In 2007 the police helped raise 25 million dollars nationally for Special Olympics. This was the second time the Summer World Games was held outside the United States. MJ participated in Dublin Ireland in 2003 and in 2011 they will be held in Athens, Greece. 169 countries and 3 million spectactors watched these amazing athletes "inspire greatness" in 25 different sports in Shanghai, China. At the packed 100,000 seat Shanghai Stadium Opening Ceremony, Arnold--ala Governor of California led the Amercian team and NBA basketball star Yao Ming led the Chinese team into the stadium. The 3 hour Las Vegas like show opened the Games and the World to a truly motivating week of inspiration and athletic excellence. A Chinese golfer even scored an "Ace" during the competition. MJ is looking forward to going for his 8th straight N. California State Championship in 2008 and continuing to help "inspire greatness" telling his story as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics Northern California. He has also been nominated for the 2008 Nike Casey Martin Award and San Ramon High School Sports Hall Of Fame. If he wins the Nike award, they will donate $25,000 in his name to a charity of his choice. MJ keep up the great work you truly "Inspire Greatness."

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2007 Summer Games Closing Ceremonies

Spectacular Closing Ceremony Caps 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games

The Special Olympics flag is handed over from the 2007 World Games Organizing Committee to Jim Grossman, Chairman of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, to be held in Boise, Idaho (USA).

The Closing Ceremony of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games was a spectacular event, celebrating the 11 days of sports, friendship and spirit with Special Olympics athletes, families, coaches, volunteers and other supporters, coming together one last time to officially close the Games.

The 80-minute, world-class entertainment event, held at Jiangwan Stadium, featured renowned Spanish tenor Jose Carreras and performances by Italian soprano Maria Lucia, Danish pop band Michael Learns to Rock, American saxophone player Kenny G and Shanghai baritone Liao Changyong.

With the theme "Sunshine and Life," the Closing Ceremony offered a farewell party packed with displays by performers with intellectual disabilities and other guests from 164 nations.

Special Olympics International Chairman Timothy Shriver thanked the people of China for a spectacular World Games. "You not only gave us a great week, but you also gave us back our hope. To all the people of this nation and to all the leaders of the City of Shanghai: thank you for giving us the time of our lives."

"If the Opening Ceremony started like a dream, then let´s fulfill it at the close," said Teng Junjie, the director general of the Closing Ceremony Committee. "We will write a full stop for the Games, and add an exclamation mark."

Fireworks lit the Shanghai sky on 11 October as almost 7,500 Special Olympics athletes celebrated the culmination of the 2007 World Summer Games.

The Closing Ceremony was divided into three chapters titled "Connection of Hearts," "Happy You and Me" and "Linger in Eternity," as well as a closing part called Sunshine Family.

The sunshine theme ran through the event as it corresponds to the Sunshine Homes set up across Shanghai to care for and offer vocational training to people with intellectual disabilities.

"Whether you are disabled or not, you can lead a happy life and contribute to a civilized and inclusive society," Teng said. "The Opening Ceremony focused on telling the story of cultures coming together. The Closing Ceremony was about bidding farewell and departing, as well as the friends we´ve made."

After more than a week of competition, it was time for celebration at the Closing Ceremony of the 2007 World Summer Games in Shanghai.

Shriver closed by exhorting the audience to take the spirit of the World Games with them and to help spread that spirit around the world. "Tomorrow is our next beginning. We must make each of our towns a host town everyday, every school, every business, every doctor´s office, every neighborhood unified everyday. We must build a world of unified sports joy everyday and make all the world into fans of the differently abled heroes of Special Olympics! The time is now. We have seen the power, now we must spread the message."

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World Stars Line Up For Summer Games Closing Ceremony

Shanghai--The effects of Typhoon Krosa that hit the southeastern part of China were felt today as rain curtailed outside events at the 2007 World Games. The games have been a huge success with over 7000 athletes from 167 countires, 40,000 volunteers and 2 to 3 million spectators enjoying the festivities. Meanwhile praise for the 3 hour Opening Ceremony continues to pour in from officials and media around the world. Ossie Kilkenny, an SOI board member compared it with the ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. He said, it demonstrated Chines culture with simplicity and dignity."

The Closing Ceremony will be star studded also. It will be only 80 minutes long but will feature Spanish Tenor Jose Carreras of "Three Tenors" and a cast of Chinese and International performers. The line up includes Italian soprano Maria Lucia, Danish pop band Michael Learns to rock, American saxophone player Kenny G, and Shanghai baritone Liao Changyong. More than 4000 performers form all over China will also take part. The ceremony will take place at 70 year old Jiangwan Stadium and will be divided into 5 parts with the theme "Sunshine, Life."

The volunteers and spectators have enjoyed a surreal experience at the first World Games held in Asia. One quoted Winston Churchill and said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Congratulations to all who made it a grand success!

Kind Regards.

"Inspiring Greatness"--Team Mc Colgan-MJ, Linda and Mike

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2007 Summer World Games Opening Ceremony-Shanghai, China

Opening Ceremony Reflects the Heart and Spirit of China

The long-awaited Opening Ceremony of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games exploded with the heart-thumping rumble of hundreds of traditional Chinese drums, the blaze of fireworks and colorful, exquisite costumes resplendent of the country´s ancient culture, emphasizing the first words of the evening, "Humanity´s hearts beat as one."

Opening Ceremonies was a spectacular event, capturing the culture of China and the spirit of harmony around the world. More than 55,000 people and 7,300 athletes attended.

The 80,000-seat Shanghai Stadium was filled to capacity. Elated spectators added to the visual splendor, each with a twinkling hand-held light, which amplified the awe and radiance of the pageantry. And the arrival of China´s President Hu Jintao elevated the prestige and majesty of the evening.

The Parade of Athletes, 7,300 strong, from 165 countries, was welcomed with tumultuous cheers and applause. Renowned Grammy and Oscar Award winner Tan Dun, best know as composer for the soundtracks of the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, composed and conducted the orchestra for the Parade. And Grammy Award winning Quincy Jones composed the Games theme song, "I Know I Can."

International film star Colin Farrell introduced the Opening Ceremony themes of courage, sharing, skill and joy, all echoed in the performances of the action-packed three-hour Ceremony. Performances by internationally renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road ensemble, and Chinese pianist Lang Lang energized the crowd. Film star Jackie Chan brought his trademark flamboyance to Opening Ceremonies as well.

China´s Yao Ming, who plays basketball for the Houston Rockets, and the U.S. Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, both wildly popular on the international scene, received a boisterous welcome as they walked with athletes during the Parade and spoke to athletes. Yao Ming missed the start of the basketball season to attend the Ceremony. "It´s worth it. Nothing is more important than doing things for Special Olympics," he said. Schwarzenegger told athletes, "I used to play in movies as the action hero, but that was nothing compared with the real action taking place in this stadium."

China´s President Hu Jintao set the tone for the World Games and its legacy when he spoke. "China hopes the Games will help the world better understand China and contribute to the development of Special Olympics around the world and in China." China has more than 9 million people with intellectual disabilities.

Spectators were dazzled by vivid colors and expert choreography at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2007 Special Olympics Summer World Games.

Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver addressed the assembly, saying, "I thank you Shanghai on behalf of over 2 million athletes and over 200 million potential athletes still waiting for a chance," he said. "Athletes it is you who have given the world far more than the world has given back. You have shown how to fight for a chance, how to train against the odds, how to persevere in the face of indifference, how to do one´s best without inhibition, how to win," declared Shriver. "So athletes: go for the gold. Show off your skill! Leave it all on the field of play. Go to your competition and teach your message of courage, of dignity; and most importantly, of boundless fun. You are the new celebrities of the 21st Century, and we are your fans. We pledge with you to create a legacy worthy of you. Tell everyone all over the world: "YES, YES, YES I CAN!"

A member of Special Olympics China´s delegation lit the World Games cauldron, which capped a 22,000-mile, five-continent global Law Enforcement Torch Run, spreading the message of Special Olympics around the world and heralding the start of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, the largest in the movement´s history.

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China Golfer Scores Ace At The World Games

China Golfer Shoots Hole in One

Dateline: 10/7/2007

6 October 2007

Word of the ace spread like wildfire through the fairways at the Shanghai Tianma Country Golf Course at the 2007 World Summer Games. Special Olympics China athlete Haijuan Shao, 30, shot a hole-in-one, every golfer´s dream, on the 3-par, 18th hole.

Special Olympics athlete Haijuan Shao shoots hole in one at the World Summer Games in Shanghai

“I thought it was my lucky day,” said Haijuan Shao, who has been playing golf for just one year. “I played as usual and didn´t think about it. It came as a great surprise to me and the entire Chinese golf team!”

The entire Special Olympics China team is wearing pink shirts because, in China, pink signifies good luck. Today, it was Haijuan Shao´s skill that was on display with what may well be the best shot of the tournament, and certainly the rarest. But, don´t expect them to give up their lucky pink shirts any time soon.

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