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RBC Canadian Open July 20 to 26 2009 - Dean Walker
Photographer – Kathy Russell
Since my birth, I played any sports in schools, college and clubs. Until my age is changed so I tried to learn to play the golf, I love it. I played in CHS golf charity, league tournaments and recreations. I am willing to be patience and still practice because it is fun. Of course I am not like Mike Weir eh!
My son Byron is a full time as student in University of Toronto (Mississauga). However he has a part time job in Glen Abbey Golf Club since May 2008. He worked in 2008 RBC Canadian Open He met many famous golfers. I am proud of him and I know that he had a richly experience! It made me to having a new motivated. (Of course I would like to meet them too). Anyway, I am thinking to involve the volunteer next year (2009 RBC Canadian Open). I asked Byron about become the volunteer. He had no idea because Glen Abbey is not responsible for RBC Canadian Open. So I looked at the Internet. I learned about Royal Canadian Golf Association which is looking after it in anywhere in Canada. I applied the form on the line. I emailed to Andrew Stewart, Tournament Coordinator and checked with him about any access for Deaf. He had seemed that it was no problem.
Since I submitted the form, I had to pay $60.00 for being a volunteer. But it is very reasonable and very good deal packing. I have a great golf (Adidas) shirt, (Adidas) cap, and a free subscription to Golf Canada Magazine, two free passes (one week) for myself and my family or friends, parking lot, RCCA Golf Card and more.
I was selected as security. This duty is responsible to assist with access control to restricted areas on-site, including the player services area, clubhouse, range area and other secured areas. We also ensure patrons display the proper credentials. Experience as a security guard or in law enforcement is not required as volunteers will not be expected to encounter any physical disturbances. We were being needed Monday to Sunday. So I went to 2009 RBC Canadian Open Volunteer Orientation Meetings with the interpreter. I met the committee and they looked forward for me to help them. I learned some history and they gave me some ideals and advices. I received that schedule. My duty was on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. That is all and it was easy job for me and I could go there as fan on Thursday Friday and Sunday. I had two co - chairpersons of security are Bob and Darren. They had no problem with me and use the notepad for communication. Darren studied in the website and learned a couple signs for me. I believed that I was ready for it.
First day (Monday July 20) the event was called “Mike Weir Charity Classic”. Famous actors, sports players and politicians attended there. Michael Jordon was there too. A lot fans love to see them. You wondered what I do there. I guarded the door which the players entered the change rooms (and of course the bar too). I stayed there for five hours include break time. I loved it. I can see their faces. Eh, Byron met me there for a short time because he had work there. After the tournament was over, the fans wanted to meet Michael Jordon, it was very crowd! He signed autographs as much stuff like pictures, jerseys, basketballs and even running shoes! A lot security, guards and police stood the line (very heavy duty) until he left. It is a good start for me before big event on Thursday. Note*** When I had a break time, I asked nine golfers to sign autographs on my cap. Note, Kelly was coming with me too. She learned something about Golfing culture. I met some volunteers and two of them are from Ottawa. I did not ask other volunteer if they are from other provinces.
Second day, next event was called practice all day, It was raining day. My friend Kathy Russell came and watched the golfers. She shoots the pictures of the spectator, golfers and me. I stood on the gate which goes to the range area. I watched some technical practices. I will try myself later. Most golfers ignored the shower. But they don’t stay all day. I left that late afternoon because the spectators left early of the rain.
Third day, it was a nice weather, next event was called “Pro –Am” Pro golfer played with three amateur golfers. My duty was guarding at rooftop patio. I checked the passes which anyone can entre there or not. I can see the beautiful course and it is close to 6th hole because I was on the top.
Forth day, it is a big event. Called is RBC Canadian Open 2009. But my duty was off that day until Saturday.
On Saturday, I went there at 6:30 am and I was in the lounge/patio near 18th hole. I love it because I can see all golfers on it then walked to the lockers and the score office. However it was not over because it was heavy rain. It was suspend until next day. There was a volunteer party that late afternoon. Kelly was coming with me. Two VIP persons gave some words to us and they wanted to thank us for being the volunteers for RBC Canadian Open 2009. One of my co chairpersons of security introduce me Tournament Chairman Bruce Heffer, He told me that he worked there for 25 years and never see any deaf volunteer in RBC Canadian Open history. He was told that I did a great job and was pleased that I did a good job in the tournament. I thanked him for nice comments. It is a richly experience for me. Anyway my duty was over.
B
UT it was not over yet. On Sunday it was a same story because of rain. It was suspended
again until on Monday. I checked with my co chairpersons of security. They need
the people because other volunteers cannot make it and had to go the work. I went
there and stayed there until the golfer won the championship. One lady met me and
she signed at me “how did I get the volunteer” I said “Whoa... Do I know her?” She
smiled at me and her name is Paula and is an interpreter at ECD School. I explained
her about the website and she will do for next year. Also it is funny thing, One
Spectator tried to ask me about something, I said “sorry I can`t hear” She said “Oh”,
so she spoke very slowly. She said “she lost her hearing aids in 10th hole”. And
she laughed at me because I am deaf and don’t use the hearing aids. I smiled at
her and I responded her that I am sorry and it would be hard to find. She agreed
with me. Then she walked away.
Wow I am glad that I did there. It was a full access to communication and I am able to participate without any social and emotional barriers. Also I will bring some ideas for our organization. I believe that you should try for next year. You will have a great experience too.
