June 24, 2011

30 new Durham Region elementary schools to be included in the Callaway Golf for Kids and National Golf in Schools program courtesy of Durham College

Oshawa, ON – The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) and Durham College are pleased to announce the official launch of the Callaway Golf for Kids junior golf program in Durham Region. This initiative will see the game of golf introduced to children in the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board over the next three years. The program is the first step in giving kids a positive experience with the sport, while encouraging children to lead healthy and active lives.

The initiative is presented locally by Durham College, who will be covering the full cost of the program for 30 new schools in the area.

“With the support of Durham College, we are thrilled to say that thousands of children in Durham Region will now have the chance to participate in these programs and enjoy an exciting introduction to golf in a learning environment,” said Mike Kelly, the GAO’s Director of Sport Development.

Developed by the Golf Association of Ontario following the success of the Callaway Golf in Schools program, Callaway Golf for Kids is the staple junior grassroots development platform of the GAO. This multi-step program is designed with fun and safety in mind to give children an opportunity to experience and learn a game that helps build character and promotes life-long activity.

“On behalf of Durham College, I am very pleased to be working with the GAO on this worthwhile initiative,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Through our partnership, we will be able to bring the game of golf to a whole new audience while creating a positive impact on the community as a whole. Perhaps some of the young golfers here today will become future members of the Durham College varsity golf team!”

The Callaway Golf for Kids program works in tandem with the National Golf in Schools program, and provides additional interactive elements that will help give kids a well-rounded introduction to the sport. Local schools will receive a learning resource developed in partnership with Physical Health and Education Association of Canada (PHE Canada) along with a full set of kid-sized golf equipment.

The program kicks in with the Mr. Knickers and Friends component, an introduction to the fun side of golf with emphasis on safety and sportsmanship for the primary grades. The Learn to Swing element provides a real life feel for the game as teachers introduce the fundamentals of stance, posture, alignment and grip. This is then put into practice with the use of real golf clubs in a driving range-like school yard set up.

The final component that children will experience is the transition program, designed to ‘help kids get on course’. The GAO will provide teachers and parents with information on transitioning from the schoolyard to the golf course. This information includes local “kid friendly” golf courses, the programs they offer, and the golf professionals that are available to guide both teachers and parents in the right direction. This will provide many opportunities to encourage participation in the sport of golf throughout the local area.

For additional information, please visit:
https://gao.ca/
www.nationalgolfinschools.com

Media contact for GAO:
Mallory Dayman
Sport development co-ordinator – Participation & Coaching
Golf Association of Ontario
905.852.1101 ext. 237
mdayman@gao.ca

Media contact for Durham College:
Michelle Roebuck
Communications officer
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

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