Hansen, Toth bring home golf win

David Hansen and Frank Toth recently competed in the Unified Golf program of the Wyoming Special Olympics in Casper on Aug. 19. The duo shot a score of 46 — with alternating shots — to win Division I by 12 strokes.

Unified sports are dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared training and competitions. Through the program, people with and without intellectual disabilities are joined on the same team, though they have similar age and ability.

Unified Golf began in 2004, and Toth and Hansen have teamed up for 11 years. Toth noted when Unified Golf began, he was the recreation director, and part of the recreation board funding went to the Special Olympics. One year, they needed some players, so he paired up with Hansen.

A couple years saw Toth playing with another, though for 13 years it’s been him and Hansen. In that time, he added, they’ve played about the same, taking 11 gold medals and two silver.

They have also competed in two National games — in 2010 in Lincoln, Neb., and in 2014 in Newark, N.J. — for the United States Special Olympics.

“It’s always great to win,” Toth said, and very gratifying to win a gold medal. He hopes David also has a good time. Though the weather wasn’t ideal, Toth said it was a good day to travel and to play.