It is a case of home sweet home for Ryan Kearney.
The 33-year-old will tee-off on his course – the Antigonish Golf and Country Club – during the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
“It is exciting,” the Antigonish native said of the opportunity to compete at home.
He agreed he will try to take advantage of knowing the AGCC better than any of his competitors.
In 2017, Kearney captured the Nova Scotia Special Olympics crown in his own backyard.
The multi-sport athlete also has experience on the national stage, garnering gold in 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver.
“It is a fun sport,” Kearney said, while sitting on AGCC’s clubhouse deck, when asked about what he loves about golf.
“I love being out here and play as much as I can,” he added.
It will be the third national Special Olympics for Kearney, who took the pitch with his Eastern Highlands’ team as representatives of Team Nova Scotia in soccer.
He makes his way to AGCC, as much as he can; an effort that will ramp up in the final days leading up to the competition.
“I am working as hard as I can,” Kearney said.
He pointed to his ability off the tee, when asked about the strengths of his game.
“I am also good with fairway shots and putting,” Kearney said.
The die-hard Toronto Maple Leaf fan – the recent John Tavares’ signing on his mind during the conversation – said he is looking forward to staying on the St. F.X. campus during the Games, and enjoying the fun-filled experience.
“Meeting new people,” Kearney said, with a smile, in relaying what he is looking forward to most about the experience.
Having fun, nevertheless, will not take away from his focus on the links.
“I am going for gold,” Kearney said.
