SWAN resident Thomas Morgan will compete in the upcoming Special Olympics as a state representative.

The Special Olympics will involve more than 850 athletes from across Australia with intellectual disabilities and autism, competing in 13 different sports.

Mr Morgan’s father John Morgan said the opportunity was a testament to Tom’s hard work, athletic talent and unbreakable spirit.

“When he steps onto the tee in Melbourne this October, he is not playing for just a medal, he is proving that an illness should not define a person’s potential,” he said.

Mr Morgan said Tom lost interest in golf at one point in his life but started playing again about three years ago.

“He met Mark Tibbles, the golf professional, on the golf range,” he said.

“Mark approached me one day and said, ‘Who is that? Is that your son? Man, he can hit a great ball.’

“He told me he was running a course for people with disabilities and asked if Tom would like to join.

“And that was the crossroads.”

Mr Morgan said the meeting and subsequent lessons were a blessing for Tom.

“About 10 years ago, we had a lot of trouble on our hands. That was a challenge,” he said.

“But the doctors [adjusted his treatment], and it seems as though he’s stable now.

“He’s bubbling, waiting to get on the aeroplane to get to Melbourne.”

MTI Golf Academy instructor Mark Tibbles, who trains Mr Morgan, said retaining focus would be the key to success for Mr Morgan’s performance during the upcoming event.

“When Tom has a little bit of focus, he’s exceptionally good,” he said.

“His dad John is going to be caddying for him at the event, so I’m hoping John can be a sort of steady influence for Tom through the tournament.

“The golf tournament’s played over three days and they play 18 holes three days in a row.

“That’s a lot of golf for Tom, because Tom’s been playing regularly all year, but he’s just been playing 9 whole rounds with a carer.

“To move from that to 18 holes in a competitive situation is going to be a big step up for Tom, but again, it’s down to focus.”

Mr Tibbles said the community building aspect of the sport made the experience larger than just a game of golf.

“There’s been a real tough road and a tough journey for Tom…  I just think for someone who loved the game back then as a kid and then lost it because of an illness, it’s just such a great joy to see him coming back to golf and looking forward to playing golf again,” he said.

“It’s hitting golf balls but it’s also the interaction with others and being part of a team.

“I think it will be interesting for Tom to see how he goes away from home in a team environment… it’s going to be an interesting experience and hopefully a rewarding one in many ways.”

All golf events for the 2026 Special Olympics will be held at Sandy Golf Links in Victoria and runs from October 20 to 22.

Athletes will be placed in a division with athletes of a similar ability based on their official golf handicap.