WATCH: First swing programme brings golf to the disabled

There is probably nothing more rewarding than to see a child bold enough to believe and achieve what few imagined was possible.

Canon and the South African Disabled Golf Association’s (Sadga) First Swing Programme gave young disabled children an opportunity to participate in the inaugural First Swing Gauteng Inter Schools golf tournament. For the first time, they had the opportunity to pit their skills against other emerging golfers who too have overcome disabilities.

The participating schools were Hope School, West Rand School, Prinshof School and Alma School. The event was held at the Wits Golf Academy on 23 June.

They had all participated in Sadga’s First Swing Programme which works to develop skills and inculcate a passion for golf among young school children with disabilities. All of the young competitors were Level 2 and 3 golfers on the First Swing Programme and were able to play four to nine holes of regular golf.

Dana Eitzen of Canon said these are children are the ones who have shown dedication, commitment and a passion to learn, to try, and to never give up on their dreams of playing a sport.

The Level 2–3 Sadga golf is for disabled juniors who cannot leave the school for sport. The programme brought the sport to them by setting up modified golf environments at the Wits Golf Academy. The programme allows severely disabled children to get the opportunity to take part and be part of a group.

Andrew Corthing, head of Sadga, said the primary focus is on rehabilitation and psychological development of disabled children. “We give these children an opportunity to learn about long-term athlete development; we use golf to teach them about life skills,” he said.

Corthing said Sadga creates an adaptive golf programme which accommodates all disabilities and modified golf environments.