Herndon Centennial Hosts Christian Holmberg Golf Tournament

Though the day was a bit cold and wet about 100 golfers went out to the Herndon Centennial Golf Course to tee off in memory of Christian Holmberg.

Christian Holmberg was born with Down syndrome and a large hole in his heart, but neither impacted joy and optimistic outlook, said his father Tim Holmberg. He said his son was a tremendous overachiever and his response when he was asked to do something was always an enthusiastic, "I say why not."

Christian Holmberg worked for the United States Senate and was the first person with an intellectual disability to work for the government. He worked there for 14 years, and his success helped others with special needs break into government jobs, Tim Holmberg said.

"They just absolutely loved him," Tim Holmberg said. He said it was his son touched the lives of many he worked with and helped pave the way for many others with special needs working in government.

After passing away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the age of 39 in 2009, the Holmberg family started the Christian R. Holmberg Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament helps raise funds for programs that help others with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities live a happy, normal life.

"This tournament is a way of paying it back," Tim Holmberg said. He said at last year's tournament they realized how many people were touched by his son's life and also how many were supportive of him.

Last year the tournament raised more than $10,000 for local Best Buddies programs, scholarships and other programs for people with intellectual disabilities. Best Buddies is a program that helps foster one-on-one relationships with volunteers and those with intellectual disabilities.

Tim Holmberg said you never know how far a small act can reach. He said the tournament has allowed them to spread the word about programs like Best Buddies, in turn helping to expand those programs. "It means so much to those kids," he said. "It's a wonderful cause."

Another program last year's tournament helped was George Mason University Life. The program helps those with special needs attend college, learn important job training and live in the dorms along with other students, supported by staff and students who are studying subjects like individuals with special needs.

Tim Holmberg said they decided to hold the event in Herndon because he used to work in Herndon and plays golf at Herndon Centennial often. He said the staff is always supportive of fundraising tournaments and helps make them successful.

"The entire staff does anything they can to make it pleasant for the golfers and easy on me," Tim Holmberg said. He said the tournament included all the usual contests, such as longest drive, straightest drive, along with different and fun contests, such as the Left Hand Hole.

Christian Holmberg was left-handed and the event organizers decided to include a left-hand only hole in his memory. Tim Holmberg said it's an amusing to watch the golfers at that hole but it also shows them what it's like to have to overcome a handicap, even a small one.

After the tournament golfers retreated to Jimmy's Old Town Tavern for dinner and awards. Jimmy's owner, Jimmy Cirrito, took part in the tournament at the "beat the hack" hole. "I don't know anybody that does more for charity than Jimmy Cirrito," Tim Holmberg said.

Another great part of the tournament was being able to have some of the local Best Buddies members take part in the tournament. Tim Holmberg said he was happy to have them included in an event where they could help put an end to people's preconceived notions of developmental disabilities.