Young disabled golfers revel at meeting the Bok team
SANDTON – South African Disabled Golf Association members made new friendships when they met the Springbok rugby team.
It was a day of smiles for young golfers of the South African Disabled Golf Association’s (Sadga) First Swing Programme when they met the Springbok rugby team on 23 June.
They were given the unique opportunity to meet the national rugby side and coaching staff on the eve of the Boks’ third Test against France in Johannesburg.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was made possible thanks to the generosity of Canon South Africa, following a fundraiser event in Johannesburg hosted by the Chris Burger and Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, which provides assistance to catastrophically injured rugby players in South Africa.
Canon South Africa and distribution company Kolok purchased rugby memorabilia at the fundraiser, which has been donated to the association to auction off at the 2018 Canon South Africa Disabled Golf Open to raise funds for the development of the programme.
Canon SA has been closely involved with the association since 2001 and over the years, the company’s involvement has continued to grow, with its support focusing on the First Swing Programme initiative.
This year, the photographic equipment company became the proud title sponsor of the South African Disabled Golf Open which attracts some of the world’s top golfers with disabilities.
The programme offers a platform which exposes children with disabilities to the game of golf. The primary focus of the initiative is on the rehabilitation and psychological development of disabled children. The programme is operational in 35 schools across the country, with some 860 children benefitting every week.
The programme provides a modified sports environment where children with disabilities can participate in sport and feel part of a group. It has tremendous benefits, increasing self-esteem, confidence, respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity and perseverance.
Dana Eitzen, corporate and marketing communications executive of Canon SA said, “During our association with Sadga, we have seen first-hand the positive impact of the programme on the rehabilitation and psychological development of young people with disabilities.
“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child with disabilities overcome their challenges. This meeting with the Springbok rugby team was indeed a most special experience for the children.”
