If you have watched or followed golf in the past two years there is a good chance you have seen three time major champion, Padraig Harrington on the television.  You may have also noticed something that looks a little different on his XPS-1's and thought to yourself, "What are those big red laces in his FootJoy's?" 

These laces are adorned with the Special Olympics logo and according to Padraig, "I am sending a message of respect, acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities to millions of golf fans around the world”

Harrington has been very hands on during his time with the program, often visiting Special Olympic athletes and coaches to conduct golf training sessions.

Paddy became a spokesman for the Special Olympics back in May 2010 and selflessly demonstrates his support stating, "I am proud to be part of the Wear the Laces for Special Olympics initiative, tied together with my friends at Special Olympics; which I hope will raise awareness for the movement.”

The Wear the Laces campaign is simple: purchase red Special Olympics shoelaces online at www.wearthelaces.org and lace up your shoes!

The aim of the campaign is to raise vital funds and awareness for Special Olympics internationally, so that together we can create a world in which the largest disability population on earth leads healthy, vibrant lives, grounded in sports, health, and the determination to demonstrate their personal best to themselves and their communities.

You can order your laces online at http://www.gbnonline.co.uk/specialolympics  or www.wearthelaces.org

Follow this campaign on Facebook   www.facebook.com/wearthelaces or Twitter @wearthelaces