DOC joins Torch Run for Special Olympics

Forsyth golf tournament a big fundraiser for Special Olympics

For the second year in a row, the North Carolina Special Olympics Torch Run T-shirts will sport the name of Forsyth Correctional Center among the state game’s top 50 law enforcement fund-raisers. Ronnie Evans, Brad Wiggins, J.W. Johnson and Jon Phillips worked with other prison staff to put on a golf tournament that raised more than $5,000 for the Special Olympics in 1997 and again in 1998.

The tournament was founded by former Forsyth Superintendent Jack Turlington (who retired as Pender Correctional Institution superintendent last year) to raise money for a chapel at the prison. When the chapel opened, prison managers talked with people in the community and decided to keep the event going and take part in the Torch Run.

The golf tournament raises money through fees charged to play and by enlisting sponsors.

"The tournament is in its 21^st year. Each year we attract 55-75 golfers," said Evans. "We’ve found professionals and businesses who want to sponsor the tournament and continue to do so year after year."

This year the tournament will be played May 13 and 14 at Grandview Golf Club in Winston-Salem. u