What an act of kindness. Shelby Twigger, who was born with Down’s syndrome, scored a goal at the end of a Nixa youth soccer game a few years ago after opposing players cleared the way.
“My wife and I couldn’t believe it. It touched us deeply. It was very moving,” said her dad, Doug. “But at the same time, it made me think, ‘Those kids held back, and they shouldn’t have to do that.”
With that in mind, the family turned to A Sporting Chance, which provides amateur sports training, competition and recreational programs to any person with any disability – such as youth who are disadvantaged, abused and neglected; as well as at-risk teenagers and senior citizens.
Which is why the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper is proud to support A Sporting Chance again this year. The PGA’s Web.com Tour stop, set for August 5-15 in Springfield, has gifted almost $13 million to local children’s charities in its 26-year history.
To support Shelby and many of the other kids who compete in A Sporting Chance, here’s a rundown:
RISING STARS, RAISING HOPES
- HELP A SPORTING CHANCE: If you would like your child to participate in any of the many programs offered by A Sporting Chance, call 417-874-1958 or email sportingchance@sbcglobal.net.
- BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses also can support the PCCC through various sponsorships, such as the daily newsletter, website or through several events such as a dozen Pro-Ams. Businesses also can donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the name of your charity of choice to benefit them in the Golf Ball & Charity Auction presented by Copy Products, Inc. and University Plaza.
- WIN A NEW TRUCK: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket can win one of 500 daily gift cards as well as grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2016 Ford F-150 XLT. It’s also good for a four-day tournament pass.
- SEE THE FUTURE OF THE PGA TOUR: The PCCC is from Aug. 5-15, with the pros beginning play on Aug. 11 at Highland Springs Country Club. For tickets or other ways to assist, call the Price Cutter Charity Championship staff at 417-887-3400.
Dawie vander Walt won the 2015 PCCC. (Photo courtesy of StidzMedia.)
About A Sporting Chance
Put it this way: Dick Jones does not take a salary, despite being the founder of A Sporting Chance. Instead, he lives off his retirement from the state Department of Mental Health and Social Security. And he has only one part-time assistant in Georgia Houser.
Yet he still has a bounce in his step all these years later when he leaves the house every morning.
“You have to have,” Jones said. “We do everything we can to save a buck. That’s really why we’re glad to be part of the Price Cutter Charity Championship. We generally receive $25,000 toward our $250,000 annual budget.”
Jones has been a lifelong sports fan and has long hoped to give everybody – regardless of ability – a chance to play sports.
For 24 years, he served as the southwest Missouri director of the Missouri Special Olympics. Because he didn’t want to interfere with the good work of the Special Olympics, Jones dedicated A Sporting Chance to folks living will any kind of disability – including those with behavioral disorders.
These days, A Sporting Chance services 26 counties and 2,300 people annually, and he keeps it going strong. For instance, Jones will umpire softball games just to save on costs.
In turn, A Sporting Chance’s board members along with Jones will help park cars during the PCCC. The non-profit uses the tournament’s donations to cover a portion of costs for competitors’ entry fees. That’s by design.
“They need to know that nothing is free,” Jones said. “If you’re going to send them on in life, it’s important to teach life skills.”
A Sporting Chance has been a huge benefit to the Twigger family of Nixa. Doug and his bride, Sue, are parents to Jamel, now in the Marines Corps; Amber, now in the ministry in Little Rock, Ark; Trevor, a student at Evangel University; and Shelby, who turns 16 in October.
“It’s just nice to have a place where we can go where our daughter can play, regardless if you have a disability or ability,” said Doug, who now serves on the board for A Sporting Chance. “Now, 12 months out of the year, there’s not a night that goes by that we aren’t supporting a child with a disability. And for the Price Cutter to have events where children’s charities can benefit, it’s amazing.”
Here’s how to help: