Paul Oldridge is one happy golfer!

The 36 year old Cochrane resident is one of just 135 athletes selected to be part of Team Alberta for 2018 in Special Olympics.

When asked how he feels about his accomplishment, Paul replies, "I was excited.  I feel great that I was selected."

Some of the athletes will represent Alberta at the Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships in Charlottetown and Summerside, P.E.I from May 15th to 19th.  Oldridge will be part of the Alberta team going to the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia from July 31st to August 4th.

The Alberta team selected for 2018 was based on results from the 2017 Special Olympics Summer Games in Medicine Hat.  For Oldridge, it was a successful competition.

"This year we were in Medicine Hat for the Summer Games in golf.  I won a gold medal in the third division."

Paul has been playing golf now for around 12 years.  He hones his skills by playing alongside his dad.  

"My dad and I play golf at the Water Valley golf course.  We usually get out about three times a week."

Paul is excited about the training schedule and the chance to get together with other Special Olympians.  "We golf pretty much every Tuesday and then they usually have extra practices to prep before the games.  There'll be two training camps coming up too."

The Alberta golf team consists of seven golfers who'll be accompanied by Head Coach Bill McLaren from Edmonton and five caddies.  

And while he's excited about training, Oldridge is even more excited about the chance to play golf in the Maritimes.  

"I have been to PEI, the Charlottetown area, but I've never been to Nova Scotia." 

Special Olympics in Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformational power and joy of sport.  Their programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,300 athletes in more than 140 communities.