Together on the Greens: A Father‑Son Journey to Special Olympics Success
Growing up with Cerebral Palsy—one of the intellectual disabilities recognized by Special Olympics International, which also has physical symptoms—Hayden Metcalf said he has issues being able to control his hands, as well as structural problems in his right leg that needed extensive surgeries at a young age. Even though Hayden wanted to play sports—and his father, Andrew wanted to coach him—the physical challenges caused by Cerebral Palsy prevented Hayden from doing this as easily as most. Living in Coquitlam, Hayden’s local Special Olympics British Columbia golf team gave him an opportunity to get past the limitations.
I can actually do it! I don’t have to struggle so much. A lot of the other sports involve running or a lot of movement, golf is a lot less movement, it’s less taxing on my body, and I can actually participate and compete at it.
“You got to know where you’ll aim the ball,” he said, “how you’ll get it there, what kind of swing you need to get it there, how hard to swing it.” He went on to describe new techniques he learned in golf. “Shot shaping: how is the ball going to react based on where it is placed? Or, reading the greens when you’re putting, that kind of stuff.”
Hayden has been golfing in Special Olympics Coquitlam for four years, with his father Andrew right alongside him as a caddy. The two were encouraged to join after hearing about it from Hayden’s teammates in the B.C. Challenger Tricities Baseball team, a program run by Baseball B.C. for athletes with “physical or cognitive disabilities.” Many of the B.C. Challenger players also participate in Special Olympics, some of whom convinced Hayden and his father to join a Special Olympics golf team that practices from April through June.
What started as a sport to work out and socialize in, suddenly became an opportunity to compete in the Special Olympics British Columbia Provincial Games. While Hayden went in without any expectations that he would win—which he said removed unnecessary anxiety, helping him focus—he finished the games with a gold medal! From there, he was invited to Team British Columbia. Alongside ten other golfing athletes, Hayden will represent his province during the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Like any proud father would, Andrew started talking about how well his son did in the Provincials. He also realized Hayden surpassed his own skill in golf and was looking for someone who could help coach his son to the next level. After getting an offer open to all the Team B.C. golfers, Hayden has been getting weekly coaching from PGA 3 rated instructor Matthew Bartholomew, every Wednesday at the Old Westwood Golfing Academy. This continued into the off season after the Special Olympics golf team stopped practicing, while the weather was still good. As of November, when the weather got "cold and muddy” as Hayden put it, he and his dad kept practicing by going to an indoor golfing simulator, and the covered range at the Golfing Academy Greentee in Coquitlam.
I feel it necessary to thank those that are supporting Hayden, i.e. the local Special Olympics in Coquitlam and the GreenTee Country Club’s facility.
As part of his frequent and diligent training, Hayden said he makes sure to keep a healthy pace, while strengthening his body. “Balance stuff, walking long distances, standing long periods of time, not moving, those things hurt after a while.” He explained, describing how Cerebral Palsy affects his body. Hayden added that often, even if there is something he cannot do, there is a separate movement he is capable of that accomplishes the same goal.
I can see one person do something, and that might be great for them, but I need to find ways that help me accomplish the same result despite my limitations. Or I’ll find ways around that, do it in my own way, and that’s helpful.
As a way to give back to the community that helped him, Hayden works two days a week at Kidsfirst Physio, run by pediatric physiotherapist Brenda Horton. Brenda helped Hayden improve when he was a young child, and her clinic involves both hydrotherapy—involving a swimming pool—and land-based therapy held her house. Hayden said some people choose one or the other, but many are entered in both because there are certain movements that can only be done in one or the other.
“[Brenda is] one of the best physiotherapists for kids in B.C.,” Hayden said, “she does a lot of work with all the hospitals in the area. Kids will be suggested to her, and she has over a hundred clients. I’ve known her since I was two years old.” “She saw the potential in Hayden,” Andrew added, “and a lot of the young adults who help her are also former clients.”
Hayden has been working at Kidsfirst Physio for ten years in their hydrotherapy program. “It looks easier than it is.” He said. “A lot of my clients are people who have high functioning autism, and usually an aggressive form of autism. They often lash out.” Fortunately, Hayden feels comfortable in his role, working hard to make sure his young clients get the care they need and deserve. “I’m hands on,” he said, “literally lifting kids up out of the pool, whatever needs to be done.”
Andrew himself uses his background in carpentry to work in the Coquitlam School Board, although he said he is soon approaching retirement. Between caddying with his son in golf and finding other ways for the two of them to engage with the community, Andrew seems focused on enjoying a productive retirement.
We do have a deep faith in Christ, and are always looking for ways to help in the community. We live in a great neighbourhood, always looking for opportunities to help our neighbours.
“And the homeless,” Hayden interjected. “And the homeless,” Andrew agreed, “every Sunday night we’ll serve disenfranchised people a meal, and I’ve been asked to do a bit of preaching for them as well. This is such satisfying work, and I usually am coming away more blessed than the people we’re there to serve.”