Brad Hennefer, a 20-year-old with Down syndrome whose accomplishments on the golf course inspired the formation of the Golf for Life Foundation, was selected as the Philadelphia Phillies’ representative in the “All-Stars Among Us” campaign co-sponsored by Major League Baseball and People magazine. Hennefer was one of 30 people from the cities with major league teams who were recognized, through online voting, for special service to their communities and rewarded with a trip to the festivities during All-Star Game week in St. Louis, July 13-14.

The Golf for Life Foundation promotes a network of regional and national golf instruction programs, clinics and competitions exclusively for individuals with Down syndrome. Brad Hennefer, who earned a high-school varsity letter in golf as well as basketball, has been helped with the Foundation’s pursuits by his brother Bob, the Director of Golf at White Oaks Country Club in Newfield, N.J. Several other members of the Philadelphia section of the Professional Golfers of America (PGA) also support Foundation activities, including Dick Smith, Sr., a former National President of the PGA and his son Dick Smith, Jr., Director of Golf at Woodcrest Country Club in Cherry Hill, N.J.

The Foundation’s stated mission is to “provide a golf developmental process for individuals with Down syndrome to introduce the game of golf, provide a level of consistency, maintain involvement and participation, and provide opportunities for competition regardless of skill level and physical abilities, with support for education and special assistance that will ultimately lead to employment and productive citizenship.”

“Our vision is for participants who have grown up in the ‘Golf for Life’ programs to obtain internships to learn job skills and ultimately be offered involvement in the golf industry,” the mission statement continues. “We believe that one of the best ways to train for a job in this field is to grow up being involved in the sport from a very young age.”

For more information about the Foundation, go to www.golfforlife.org