For Immediate Release
At Risk Kids Offered Chance to Play Golf Through Childhood and Teen Years
Mt. Hope Housing and The First Tee Combine Resources to Give Bronx Kids Access to the Joys of Golf and Valuable Life Skills
Bronx, NY (August 8, 2003) – How good sportsmanship applies to daily life and acquiring important tools for later success are just a couple of the reasons Mount Hope Housing Co., Inc., a community development organization, and The First Tee, an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, are giving a group of at-risk 6-11 year olds from the South Bronx the gift of golf.
As part of Mount Hope Housing Co.’s summer youth services program, children from the Mt. Hope section of the Bronx go to the Mosholu golf course for free lessons from the pros in chipping, putting and driving a golf ball. They also get schooling in good sportsmanship and how those values apply to their everyday lives. The First Tee, a non-profit association of golf facilities partnered to teach life skills to children using golf as the focus, provides free lessons and equipment and a minimal charge access to its nationwide network of golf courses, many world-famous, until First Tee participants are 17 years old.
“Golf has proved to be a very important element of both my business and recreational life,” says Shaun M. Belle, CEO and president of Mount Hope Housing Co. “This program will open up a larger world to these kids and give them additional competencies to help them succeed later on in their lives.”
“Golf is more than just a game,” adds Barry McLaughlin, Executive Director of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, “Through golf and education we try to give young people of all backgrounds the chance to develop values that will enhance their lives, such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.”
The children’s delighted reactions speak for themselves. “Look how far I hit the ball!” crows an excited 8-year old, who has just seen the results of a proper grip and stance. The children are keeping a journal of their feelings about the game.
Mount Hope Housing and The First Tee are planning to introduce Mt. Hope teens in critical need to a combination program of academic tutoring and golf this fall. The partnership is a natural: Mount Hope encourages young people to get off the streets with a robust range of youth services. The First Tee has programs such as full scholarships to prestigious college and universities for teens that have shown the most academic commitment and golf talent.
Media Opportunity: See young Mount Hope golfers in action followed by a “graduation” BBQ: Tues., Aug.12th, 12:30-3:30PM at the Mosholu Golf Course, 3700 Jerome Ave., Bronx, NY. Entries from the children’s journals will also be provided. Photo and interview opportunities.
About Mt. Hope Housing Co., Inc:
A community development organization, Mount Hope Housing Company, Inc. was founded in 1986 in response to the deterioration of the Mount Hope community of the Bronx. Providing affordable housing as its foundation, Mt. Hope empowers the community through a comprehensive range of programs including robust youth services; employment and job training services; real estate development; and financial literacy and family asset-building programs.
About The First Tee:
The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has opened 118 golf learning facilities and has introduced the game of golf to over 170,000 young people since 2000. The focus is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.
Media contacts:
Lynn Honeysett (until 8/9) 914.576.7747; cell: 914.548.9652; email: LBH222@aol.com
Robin Evans, Mt. Hope Housing (available throughout) Tel: 718-466-3600 ext. 12; email: REvans1976@hotmail.com