Josh Pudney, one of the Special Olympics Golfers, is hard at work practicing for the upcoming provincial games.

By Tommy Osborne

Special Olympics Golf

Special Olympics golf team gearing up for upcoming provincial games

Jun 2, 2025 | 5:26 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – As the weather gets warmer, more golfers are starting to hit the greens to take advantage of the approaching summer season. And the Special Olympics golf team is no exception, as they’re also training for the upcoming 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games.

“I’m really excited for the games to come here in Prince George,” said Josh Pudney, a Special Olympics golfer.

Josh’s father, Stephen Pudney, is the head coach of the team, and Stephen says it’s been a great opportunity to spend some time together and enjoy the sport.

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“It’s always great to see your kids succeed in life, and he doesn’t necessarily have all the opportunities everybody else does. So it’s great to see this venue for him to get out and succeed in things,” Stephen said.

Josh has taken part in many sports over the twenty-plus years he’s been involved with Special Olympics, and Stephen has been involved as a volunteer during that time. Golfing has been a bit more recent for the pair though, as Stephen says they started golfing five years ago.

“It’s been a great outlet for Josh for getting him out and involved in sports and in the community and just the motivation of going to games,” Stephen said.

During his time as the head coach of the golfing team, Stephen adds it’s been really special to see just how much his son and the other athletes have improved over the years.

“The athletes are great. And the stories they have, watching them overcome things and succeed, it’s pretty amazing. You see some of the golfers, when they first come out, if they hit the ball ten feet, they’re lucky. And now they’re out there playing every week with us, and that’s really great to see them progress,” he said.

The region eight golf team has golfers from many communities in Northern B.C., like Quesnel, Fort St. John, and 100 mile house, and Prince George has three golfers as part of the. Alongside Josh Pudney, Rita Cavenaile and Danny Lafreniere will also be competing, and they’re really excited to showcase their skills and effort.

“I’d like to see a lot of people come and watch the game. It’s fun to watch,” Cavenaile said.

The provincial games will be hosted from July 10-12 in Prince George, and if you are interested in volunteering or learning more you can visit Special Olympics BC’s website HERE.

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