Amateur

College juniors introduce Golf in Schools to elementary students

Niagara College Golf in Schools donation presentation

Students in their third year of Niagara College’s Business Administration-Professional Golf Management (Co-op) class recently welcomed Scott Simmons, Golf Canada’s Executive Director and CEO.

The students presented Simmons with a donation of $1,500 to Golf Canada in support of the National Golf in Schools program. The funds will be used to sponsor three schools in the Niagara region – Princess Margaret Elementary (Niagara Falls), St Francis Xavier (Stoney Creek) and Greendale Public School (Niagara Falls).

“On behalf of Golf Canada, I’m proud of the continued fundraising efforts of Niagara College students who understand the important link that Golf in Schools creates between the education and golf communities,” said Simmons. “The students and administrators with the Golf Management program understand the important of investing in grassroots golf – introducing the game to young golf enthusiasts who we hope will develop an interest and passion for our sport.”

Professor of the PGM program Grant Fraser continues to see the benefits of this initiative for both the community and his students.

“I believe that it is important for the golf community to support the Golf in Schools program. Our golf management students at Niagara College are part of that community,” said Fraser. “One of the key topics we discuss in our Event Management class is the importance of giving back and doing what we can to help grow the game of golf in the Niagara region. Supporting Golf Canada’s Golf in Schools program helps us do this.”

This was the third year that his students have supported the Golf in Schools program. In the past, they have adopted Fitch Street Public School, Fort Erie Secondary and Glen Ridge PS. The students have increased their fundraising total in each of the three years and hope to continue the streak in the future.

This year’s funds were raised through the students’ third-annual PGM Invitation Charity Golf Tournament which was held at Beechwood Golf and Country Club in Niagara Falls. Students sold raffle and 50/50 tickets and also held a silent auction to raise funds. Fundraising efforts will continue in 2014 when third-year students host the second annual industry showcase at the College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.

Golf in Schools introduces the game of golf to thousands of students in the country by integrating golf into school physical education programs. With 4.5 million students enrolled at 10,000 elementary and 4,500 high schools, the Canadian school physical education system is the single most concentrated opportunity to introduce children of all backgrounds to the sport of golf, according to Golf Canada.

To find out more about the Golf in Schools program click here.