Golf Athlete - Raymond Percival
Location: Hartlepool
Coach: Rob Ryan
Ray is 46 years old. He has been a competitive swimmer and football player but has what his coach describes as a natural talent for golf.
Shanghai will be his second chance to compete in a Special Olympics world games. Ray competed in the World Games at Dublin 2003, where he won a gold medal.
Ray says: “I can’t wait to get out there and go over the course. Sometimes I suffer from nerves. Playing in a competition you’re under a lot of pressure, especially when you get near the hole. I’ve seen professional players get frustrated when things don’t go right. You can’t do that, you have to keep calm, stay focussed.”
As well as training sessions with his coach Rob Ryan, Ray also has support from a professional at Seaton Carew Golf Club. He is extremely dedicated to his sport and to improving his technique.
Ray says: “You have to practise as much as possible, have a good eye for ball, stand right with your head over the ball and don’t move or you’ll slice it.”
Ray is training for Shanghai with twice weekly sessions at the gym and plays golf three times a week. He says:
“I’ve joined a gym to build up my muscle strength. I’m lifting weights of 25 kilos. You’ve got to build yourself up. Being strong counts for a lot.”
He is very proud of the chance to represent Britain and is determined to do well for his country.
He says: “When I put in for Shanghai I didn’t build up my hopes. But being selected for the GB squad is a big achievement. There are a lot of people supporting me and I don’t want to let them down.”
He watches golf whenever it’s on TV to study the techniques of the professionals. But he says the only way to really up your standard is to get out there and do it.
“You just have to get out there and play people, get to know the courses. You have to work on your putt, drive, chip, the bunker shot.”
Ray was awarded North East disabled Sports Personality of the Year in 2004 and was Hartlepool council’s Citizen of the Year in 2005.
Ray has lived at the Crescent Care Home for the past 18 years. He attends a social skills centre and has had periods of employment. He is a keen angler and especially loves sea fishing off the pier.
TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ATHLETES OR COACHES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SOGB NATIONAL OFFICE.
TELEPHONE: 020 7696 5569 OR EMAIL TO: pr@sogb.org.uk