USGA Awards $1.35 Million in First Quarter
FAR HILLS, N.J. – The United States Golf Association announced that it awarded $1,358,850 at its April grant distribution meeting to support the development of 86 golf programs through its “For the Good of theGame” Grants Initiative.
Since 1997, the USGA has allocated more than $65 million toward this unique initiative, opening opportunities through golf to under-served youth, girls, and individuals with disabilities. The USGA Grants
Initiative empowers programs to make golf more affordable and accessible by funding essential aspects of the game, including professional instruction, golf course and range access, equipment, transportation and alternative golf facilities.
“The USGA is very pleased to support many young people and individuals with disabilities as they seek to play golf and experience the many values inherent in the game,” said USGA President Jim Vernon. “It is
inspiring to see so many non-profit organizations around the country utilizing the game to fulfill their missions.”
A founding partner of The First Tee, the USGA continues to be the largest financial supporter of this national junior golf organization. Thus far in 2009, the USGA has distributed $505,000 iamong 37 chapters,
bringing total USGA support to more than $25.5 million since its inception in 1997.
Three USGA corporate partners contributed to these USGA charitable efforts. The Royal Bank of Scotland Group made possible a USGA grant to further the development of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, which comprises nearly 200 sites nationwide. In 2009, Girls Golf celebrates its 20th anniversary of making the game more accessible to young women. American Express provided assistance with 13 grants benefiting youth and
individuals with disabilities made in the three 2009 U.S. Open markets. Lexus supported a USGA grant to the National Alliance for Youth Sports to help fund various Hook A Kid On Golf clinics and other activities.
The clinics serve as a gateway for juniors to participate in the game and develop into avid players.
The USGA believes golf is a game for all, regardless of ability. This ideal, rooted in the purpose of the USGA Grants Initiative, was demonstrated once again at the April meeting. Nearly one-fifth of the grant awards will support the development of programs for individuals with disabilities. Accessible golf program highlights include:
Ohio Junior Golf Association (Norwalk, Ohio)
The Ohio Junior Golf Association, which operates The First Tee of Lake Erie, will use the program GAIN (Golf: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) to introduce golf to individuals with disabilities. With the help of a $12,500 USGA programming grant, the organization intends to provide an enhanced life-skill and golf curriculum to these participants to fully immerse them in the game.
Bergenfield Public School District (Bergenfield, N.J.)
Bergenfield Public School District (BPSD) serves autistic children through its Not Far From Par golf program. The program uses golf as a tool to teach social, educational, and life skills to participants. The
program will allocate its $11,000 USGA programming grant to expand its reach to 40 kids in 2009. As a result of the success of the program, Dr. Michael Kuchar, superintendent of BPSD, received state-wide
recognition by receiving the Innovations in Special Education Award. This recognition has prompted other school districts in New Jersey to adopt the Not Far From Par model to serve autistic children.
The Therapeutic Center at Fox Chase (Philadelphia, Pa.) Founded in 1971, The Therapeutic Center at Fox Chase is a residential treatment program for young males with substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. It serves nearly 40 males per year and provides integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment services to encourage boys to stay sober and maintain healthy relationships. As a part of a wellness initiative in physical and mental health, this organization, with the assistance of a $4,450 USGA programming grant, is starting its Growing Opportunities Lasting Futures (GOLF) program for 12 boys in 2009. In addition to a 12-week leadership course, boys will participate in programming to learn golf and life skills.
The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (Lake Forest, Ill.)
The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) was founded to introduce adaptive sports and recreation programs to individuals with physical or visual impairments. In 2000, GLASA implemented the Adaptive Golf Program to provide these individuals the opportunity to learn golf and its inherent values. Through the support of a $2,500 USGA programming grant, the organization projects to reach nearly 90
individuals in 2009.
For a complete list of USGA grants for the first quarter of 2009, go to: www.usga.org
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