Published: November 09, 2009 09:56 am      

Golf tourney raises cash for horse group

Sometimes, a little competition is healthy, especially when it means benefiting a worthy cause.

That’s the premise behind the annual British Petroleum Charity Golf Tournament, held each September at Arrowhead Golf Course. This year’s four-man scramble pitted teams from various oil and gas companies against each other to raise more than $8,500 for the Therapeutic Equestrian Association of McAlester.

“The workforce mentions different non-profits they’d like to see benefit, and we select the recipient from those suggestions,” said Production Team Leader for Arkoma BP Mark Holdsworth, who functioned as the head cook and concessions organizer for this year’s event.

“Even with the low economy, we still had a good turnout,” Holdsworth continued. “It’s all about the cause and the fun for these guys, not the trophies.”

Holdsworth added that the success the tournament continues to enjoy is due to a team effort, as well.

“We’ve done this tournament for the past six or seven years,” he explained. “The guys that run the golf course here have always been real receptive, and we really appreciate all the participants, the companies, sponsors and individuals that help make it successful.”

HSE Administrative Assistant Tammy Smith and Training Coordinator Jamie Bloxham are the golf tournament coordinators, working for the past few years in addition to their day jobs, making sure the event goes off without a hitch.

While last year’s proceeds were split between the American Red Cross and the Therapeutic Equestrian Association of McAlester, this year’s went solely to the TEAM. Funds raised go towards the offset of operating expenses and scholarship for participants in the program.

While the TEAM is known for providing equine assisted therapy to individuals with disabilities such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral issues, the program has begun to evolve into something more.

“We’re seeing whole families benefit from the work we do,” said TEAM volunteer Pat Dugger. “As one client begins sessions, the rest of the family begins to become involved in one way or another. It tends to strengthen the relationship. Even grandparents are coming out and being involved.”

Clients Dillon Duffy and Cheyenne and Skylar Collins started riding in the program at its inception in the fall of 2007. Now, the students have siblings participating as clients, while each has a parent that volunteers with other clients, as well.

“I think we have a better relationship, now,” said Collins’ mother, Shannon Collins.

While she brings her daughter and her youngest son, Skylar, to ride on Tuesdays, she volunteers on Wednesdays, and her oldest son, Kirby, a client at one time himself, will return to volunteering when football season ends this week.

“We started bringing Cheyenne and Skylar to help build their confidence and self-esteem,” Collins explained. “I’m looking forward to bringing Kirby back this fall,” Collins continued. “I just see that, when he started riding and volunteering, he was more respectful, not so mouthy. Lately I’ve seen a return of the attitude. I think the positive role models the other volunteers provide and the work and responsibility really help.”

“We notice a more congenial family atmosphere since they all became involved,” Dugger added. “They laugh and talk, and there isn’t so much tension.

“I think they feel they have more in common, and more understanding.”

As the TEAM client roster grows, so does its appreciation for a surrounding community that continues to offer support.

“We try to help all we can, especially in areas that help kids,” Holdsworth said.

“We have a soft heart for that.”

Editor’s note: Staff writer Mandy Carter is an instructor with TEAM.