“I got this”: Special Olympics golfer brings inspiring story to Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — One of the most inspiring stories in golf will be in Central Florida this week competing for a national championship.

In 2018, “Amazing” Amy Bockerstette became the first person with Down Syndrome to earn an athletic college scholarship when she was awarded a full ride to play golf for Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix.

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Then, two years ago, Bockerstette went viral when she was invited to play the infamously tough 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.

Bockerstette seized the moment with three confident words: “I got this.”

A brilliant shot from the sand followed by a perfect par putt captured the hearts of the crowd and millions who saw the video.

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However, Bockerstette was just getting started. This week, she broke through another barrier by teeing off at the Junior College National Golf Championships being held in Ormond Beach.

Amy is in her third season with Paradise Valley Community College, one of 19 teams competing at the national championships.

In 2019, she launched the “I Got This” Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting golf and making the game more inclusive.

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She’s also become a spokesperson for the Special Olympics, where she competes in golf, swimming, and volleyball.

Amy is one of thousands of athletes hoping to make it to the Special Olympics USA games, being held at the Wild World of Sports and other local venues next year.

Cox Media Group