Leonora Secondary launches golf pilot program
Ministry of Education representatives with Leonora Secondary teachers.
Kaieteur News – In all misfortune, there is a silver lining and in this case, the Guyana Golf Association takes advantage of the fact that golf is among the few activities that comply with the full covid-19 guidelines to grow the game across Guyana.
From the Essequibo Coast to Berbice, Linden to Georgetown, golf is the talk of the town, a startling change as the sport was once considered only a specific part of the community. But with easy and extremely affordable access provided by the Guyana Golf Association, hundreds of people are now attracted to the sport.
This response is evident from the various Regional Education Officers, Headteachers, Ministry of Education, and Regional Leadership throughout the country but especially in Region 3, where a massive planned development is underway as stated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently as he unveiled the new mall, highways, and planned onshore gas facilities.
Leonora High School is leading the way in expanding the game behind the strong support of REDO Annesta Douglas, Head Mistress Gittens, all teachers, PTA president, and members of the RDC, all of whom participate actively create the facilities. for the children (and parents) to play the game.
“This is a dream come true for our region and I am delighted that we are in a position to offer a sport that promotes discipline, outdoor physical activity and mental resilience especially during the pandemic,” said Ms Douglas.
“Demerara West Coast is the new growth area and this will highlight our region and provide meaningful activity for our families and I am happy to throw my support behind this amazing effort.”
At the official launch of the schools pilot program on Friday, the REDO and the Head Mistress faced off in a much-loved meeting with the school assembly and teachers in attendance to say goodbye to Miss Letoya, a recently promoted 15-year-old veteran. In the hotly contested match (4 playoff), Ms. Gittens the winning putt to their school.
“An absolute feeling of excitement, achievement and focus is unlike anything you have ever experienced and I am delighted to be the first school in Region 3 to have this wonderful opportunity,” the Head Mistress told commended the welcoming attitude of her Deputy HM, staff and students.
Launching the program, Nicholas Fraser of the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Unit said that the Ministry of Education and the head of its department had the unwavering support. Barker-King makes the program possible and the focus on Golf, because it fully complies with covid Guidelines -19, were a blessing in disguise for students who had been deprived of physical activity.
Guyana Golf Association President Aleem Hussain explained that developing the sport was the most important thing at the moment and thanked everyone involved for their support. “As the driving force behind game development in Guyana, we focus on guiding our partners on how they can use their dormant facilities for the benefit of our children. The EIG does not own or operate facilities but simply provides participants with access to training, equipment and competitions. “
With Copa Airlines, Assuria General Insurance, Nexgen Global Marketing Services, Macorp, AR Printery, Shafura Hussain Foundation and many other corporate supporters, the GGA feels that golf can and will become one of the country’s leading sports over the coming months. With nearly 1,000 new players in less than a year, an increase of 900%, they certainly seem to be on the road to making that reality a reality.
In addition, Copa Airlines will continue its nationwide HOLE-in-ONE challenge with events in Linden, Essequibo, Berbice and Leonora in the coming weeks. Everyone can have a chance to enter for free to win a Roundtrip Ticket to any destination that Copa Airlines flies, just by hitting the ball in the hole in one bid.
Beginners will have 5 chances and experienced players will have 3 chances … all for free!
Categories for children, women, beginners and experienced players give anyone a chance to win! To find out more about the game or how to get involved, call 645 0944 or visit the Guyana Golf Association on Facebook.