Absecon resident and The Arc golfer Danny Philippi qualified for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, in Orlando, Florida.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - The Arc of Atlantic County Golf Program athlete Daniel Philippi recently qualified to compete in the Special Olympics US Games, currently underway in Orlando, Florida.
The Special Olympics USA Games are held once every four years in the United States, offering athletes from across the nation to compete in summer sports.
Usually at this time of year, Philippi, a resident of Absecon, is preparing to volunteer his time at the Shoprite LPGA Classic Golf Tournament held at Seaview-A Dolce Hotel. He is the co-chairman of the Standard Bearers who follow LPGA golf pros, keeping score on portable score boards.
Phillipi qualified to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games and was selected by Special Olympics New Jersey to be one of the state representatives in the weeklong competition that ends on June 12.
No stranger to golf, Phillipi began learning the sport in 2001 with The Arc of Atlantic County's Golf Program under the instruction of Matthew Callaghan, a local instructor and golfer.
The program provides athletes with disabilities the opportunity to learn basic skills needed to confidently play on the golf course. Athletes are paired with an experienced golf partner who helps teach golf etiquette, rules of play and develop skills for a successful game.
Philippi earned his position as a Level 4 golfer, enabling him to now golf independently.
It is his second year qualifying for the Special Olympics USA Games, and the first time he will travel to play outside of his home state. Philippi will compete on the Panther Lake Course at the Orange County National Golf Course just outside Ft. Lauderdale. He is one of seven golfers representing Special Olympics NJ and one of two competing as a Level 4 golfer.
Philippi has won numerous gold, silver and bronze medals throughout his 21 years of competition.
When he is not golfing, he is employed by Walmart in Egg Harbor Township. He is a graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School, Atlantic Cape Community College and Stockton University.
Upon his return, Philippi will embark upon another golf season with The Arc of Atlantic County, where he can continue to improve his golf skills and the skills he has learned with the new golfers in the program.
