Cobham golfer Mikael Undrom is preparing to tee off for Great Britain in the Speciail Olympics Golf Masters in China.

The 25-year-old joins Surrey team-mates Scott Hastings, from New Malden, and William Cottrell, from Bookham, in Macau next month to compete in the
tournament for golfers with learning disabilities.

Head of delegation for the Special Olympics GB team of golfers, Elsie Undrom, said: “I am so proud that these three golfers have been invited to participate in this incredible Special Olympics golf tournament.

“As Mikael’s mother, I am also thrilled that he will be competing at an international level.

“It is fantastic to have watched him grow so much in confidence since 2008 when he first found out about Special Olympics GB through its branch in Kingston.

“Since then, his whole outlook on life has changed and his well-being has transformed.”

She added: “The amount of training involved, together with good eating habits, has contributed to a healthy lifestyle.

“Also, all the socialising has helped him develop a more outgoing attitude to life.

“I wish that we could have more interest about Special Olympics as there are so many people with intellectual disabilities out there who would benefit hugely from this programme.”

In the UK, Special Olympics GB serves more than 8,000 registered athletes every year through almost 150 volunteer-led local clubs.

Undrom said: “Special Olympics athletes, like every other athlete, need to have real goals to motivate them and keep them focused.

“Training to be their personal best is both mentally and physically tough, and so it is wonderful for them to apply the skills they learn in a real competition.

“They are told that taking part is what matters most and the Special Olympics slogan is ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in my
attempt’.”