By Jim Lockwood
Staff Writer

Tim Taber (left) and his Team Uncanoonuc golf teammate Nathan Cullinane qualified for the Special Olympics state tournament. However, the two-man team of Taber and Cullinane wasn’t the only duo to qualify for states. Other two-man teams were Josh LeDuc and Ben Bradley, plus Jason Laporte and Ron Costigan. (Jim Lockwood Photo)

For the past three years, Team Uncanoonuc has been more than a sports squad for a group of local Special Olympics athletes and their volunteer partners.

Together, members of the team have enjoyed participating in seasonal sports once a week. In the fall, athletes and their partners competed in volleyball, field hockey, basketball, or bowling.

In the summer, the team’s sport of choice was golf. And recently, three two-man teams qualified for the New Hampshire Special Olympics golf tournament.

“It’s more rewarding than I ever thought because it is enjoyable to see them participating, interacting with a peer group,” said team coordinator and longtime volunteer Rick Serodio. “It’s adding a dimension to their lives that other kids have.”

Team Uncanoonuc’s trio of successful golf duos included Josh LeDuc and Ben Bradley, Jason Laporte and Ron Costigan, plus Nathan Cullinane and Tim Taber. Each duo advanced from the regional tourney on Aug. 1 at Amherst’s Ponemah Green Country Club.

Still, for all the excitement surrounding the players’ achievement, everyone involved with the team gained something more valuable than the satisfaction of a great day of golf.

According to Serodio, camaraderie was built because volunteers and athletes had time to talk with each other during practices and go to pizza parties or other sporting events.

In addition to the social aspects associated with athletics, the competitors received overwhelming support from individuals who wanted to see them excel at whatever sport they chose to play. Constant positive reinforcement was a central theme of the team.

The experience was also beneficial for Team Uncanoonuc’s volunteers.

“I like to help the kids and teach them a game I enjoy, and make them have a good time,” said Taber, who is going into his junior year at Goffstown High School and is a member of the Grizzlies’ golf program.

Taber and Cullinane shot a 63 over nine holes, with each player hitting alternating shots during tourney action.

The athletes and partners tried to meet at least once per week for practices. And according to Serodio, he tried to match each athlete with two volunteers willing to commit between two and three hours per week to the program.

Serodio added that, initially, it took some time for volunteers to feel comfortable. But once he or she realized the athletes were trying their best, the experience became fun for everyone.

The athletes were very coachable and appreciated the time and effort given to them, several volunteers said.

All athletes were coached to their ability levels.

Golf provided a tremendous opportunity to the athletes, Serodio said, because it’s a one-on-one sport that a person can play for a lifetime.

Serodio also pointed out that the quiet nature of the sport is a benefit for kids with autism who can be easily distracted.

Along with having fun on the course this summer, the athletes also became more confident golfers, always displaying proper golf etiquette.

And as the results from the tournament proved, Team Uncanoonuc’s participants were quite talented – and they had a blast showcasing their skills.

“Having fun with the kids and how you relate to them is as important as the sport itself,” Serodio said.