Padraig Harrington honoured for his Special Olympics work

Padraig Harrington has been honoured by the Special Olympics  - the world's largest sports organisation for people with intellectual disabilities.

He received his award ahead of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, in appreciation of his tireless commitment to Special Olympics athletes and their families.

Special Olympics Great Britain athlete David Mitchell officially presented Padraig with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver 1995 Commemorative Special Olympics Silver Coin on behalf of the global Special Olympics family in recognition of his dedication to the movement.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of President John F. Kennedy and Founder of Special Olympics, is the only woman to have her portrait appear, during her lifetime, on a US coin.

Since becoming a Special Olympics Global Ambassador in May 2010, Padraig has generously donated his time and expertise to the Special Olympics Movement across the world by conducting golf clinics for athletes and coaches, most recently at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Padraig also proudly 'Wears the Laces' for Special Olympics on the golfing circuit.

The red shoe laces have recently captured the attention of golf commentators and fans, helping to raise awareness for Special Olympics and promote a message of respect, inclusion and acceptance for all people with intellectual disabilities.

Padraig will again 'Wear the Laces' this week during the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

Padraig Harrington said "The work that I do for the athletes of Special Olympics is something I am proud of and I will continue to try to help and inspire them to be the best athletes they can be.

"I am just happy to be able to play a part in the organisation which changes lives every day for people with intellectual disabilities and  I am very pleased to have received the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Commemorative Coin today.

She made a significant difference to the lives of millions of people across the world."

Mary Davis, Regional President Special Olympics Europe Eurasia added "Padraig is a remarkable Ambassador for Special Olympics. Through Padraig our athletes get the opportunity to meet one of their golfing heroes and learn from him the importance of staying focused and the values of hard work and practice."