MICHAEL "MJ" McCOLGAN

When asked to describe Michael "M.J." McColgan, people use phrases such as "unflappable sense of humor," "enthusiastic spirit," and "unquenchable drive". And while M.J.'s ability as a golfer is certainly envied, it's his upbeat approach to life that is truly – and widely – envied.

McColgan was born in Michigan with a slight strain of cerebral palsy. At the age of 5, his family moved to California, and that's when he took up the game of golf. This experience, combined with his natural ability, hard work and determination, has been a winning recipe for M.J.'s success on the links.

He has won multiple California state Special Olympics golf championships, was the 2002 and 2003 National Silver Medal Champion, and he claimed top honors at the 2004 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament.

McColgan was also a member of Team USA in 2003, participating in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland.

During his high school career, M.J. served as a student manager for the varsity football team, and after graduation, returned to his alma mater as a volunteer assistant football coach. He has also served as a volunteer at a local retirement home and at a hospital.

Additionally, McColgan is a Special Olympics Northern California Global Ambassador, speaking to various businesses and organizations about winning and overcoming adversity.

He was inducted into the 2004 San Francisco Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, and he and his father have coauthored a successful golf book, "101 Superstitions of Golf."