Youngsters enjoy First Tee fun day

Over 70 children with disabilities and special needs from Greater Manchester took part in The First Tee’s Inclusion Fun Day at Heaton Park GC, Manchester, this week. 

The festival brought children with disabilities together to have fun, and for some, experience golf for the first time.

The teams of 10 made their way around nine activities which were all designed around the nine core values highlighted by First Tee, including honesty, respect and confidence.

It was organised by the Empowering Youth Foundation’s ‘The First Tee of Manchester’ programme and the Manchester School’s Sports Partnership.

Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Harold Lyons and other local dignitaries enjoyed watching the children’s’ activities and even tried their hand at golf. 

Also in attendance were Melanie Flude, English Golf Union’s North West Regional Development Officer and Andy Leigh of the Golf Foundation. 

Funding for the event was through a grant given to the Empowering Youth Foundation by the Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust.  The First Tee corporate supporters Mack Golf and Santander provided volunteers to help out on the day.

Youth aged 7+ of all abilities can take part in The First Tees Life Skills Experience which is a progressive golf skills and life skills programme based on nine core values inherent to the game of golf including honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and confidence. 

 Commented Dawn Roberts, Executive Director of The First Tee of Manchester:  “Our first inclusion day went really well; the turnout was great and the participants had a really enjoyable day.  This will definitely be an annual event.

“Seeing so many children learning new skills and having fun at the same time – and on such a glorious day –shows that everyone can enjoy golf!”

Following on from the success of this day and the great feedback the event received, The First Tee Manchester will be holding summer classes for children with disabilities and special needs.

Two sessions will run every Tuesday during the summer holidays; 26th July – 30th August.  The sessions will be held at 10-11am and 11-12pm with a limited number of spaces available.

Each one hour session costs £2 each or £10 if all six lessons are paid in advance. To sign up for the sessions and to get more information about The First Tee programmes and facilities contact Molly Whelan on 01978 345222 or email molly@empoweringyouthfoundation.org.uk