A SALISBURY teenager with autism has been chosen to be an ambassador for the Special Olympic World Games

Warren Clark, 17, who plays at the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Golf Club, will be the only British athlete to have been chosen for next year’s World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Warren, who has autism, speech difficulties and learning disabilities, was chosen as an ambassador for the World Games due to his ongoing commitment to golf.

Speaking about his new role, Warren said: “I feel privileged to be an ambassador and want to use my experiences in Abu Dhabi to start getting the rest of Team GB – and people all over the UK – excited about next year’s World Games. I know they will be game-changing and I want to come away from them with another gold medal for my country”.

Since first picking up a golf club in 2011, Warren has achieved far more than many of his peers. He now plays with a handicap of six, has been awarded his PGA Level 1 coaching badge and has introduced more than 5,000 children to golf through his own charity – Warren Clarke Golfing Dreams – a not-for-profit community group that gives people with disabilities a chance to experience the sport.

Warren added: “My trip to the UAE was unbelievable, not what I had expected at all. I got to meet lots of the organisers and other UAE athletes and they all told me about the amazing work that is being done here to help people with disabilities. It is great to know this is happening, as it is something I am passionate about.”

During his trip, Warren was invited to play with Special Olympics golfers from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ireland as they tested the Abu Dhabi golf course. The World Games gold tournament will take place in Abu Dhabi in March 2019.