National Golf in Schools Program Launched

Golf initiates new programming to introduce Canadian elementary school aged children to the sport as part of regular Physical Education delivery

ACTON, ON (May 4, 2009) –Thousands of Canadian youth will now have the opportunity to be introduced to the game of golf as a part of their elementary school physical education curriculum with the launch of the National Golf in Schools Program.

Developed by Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) in partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) and the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (Canadian PGA), the National Golf in Schools Program has been designed to allow elementary school teachers, regardless of their golf background, the ability to deliver required physical education learning outcomes through the sport of golf.

In addition to helping teachers assist their elementary school students to become more physically fit, the program will help introduce thousands of youth to the game of golf each year.
“The National Golf in Schools Program is a tremendous opportunity to introduce hundreds of thousands of children to the game of golf through the physical education curriculum at Canadian elementary schools,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “The program creates a vital link between the education community and the golf community so that teachers, students and parents can gain better access to and familiarity with this wonderful lifetime sport that not only encourages physical activity but a very strong sense of core values.”

Provincial golf associations will also offer a variety of Golf in Schools activations including sending qualified golf professionals to schools, conducting teacher orientations and organizing field trips to local golf facilities.

"The Canadian PGA is extremely pleased to be an integral part of the development of the National Golf in Schools curriculum. The involvement of Canadian PGA Professionals will enhance the pathway to success for these young students as they progress from the initiation phase through to participation at golf facilities staffed by our Members," stated Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA.

Schools that sign-on to participate will receive child-friendly and easy to store golf equipment, as well as golf-related curriculum and instructor training to enable teachers to integrate golf into their elementary school physical education curriculum.

“This learning resource was designed to support some of the learning outcomes of elementary school curricula across Canada,” said Mark Jones, President of PHE Canada. “A key mandate is to help students develop physical literacy skills that are necessary to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to lead healthy, active lives and enjoy success in all levels of sport participation.”

As part of its development, the program was test-piloted at 13 schools across Canada and expects over 300 schools to sign on for the program in its first year.

Schools interested in participating will be charged a nominal fee of $175 for the complete Golf in Schools program package which includes the learning resource and specially designed child friendly golf equipment. The balance of the $475 total program cost will be subsidized by the RCGA. A unique element of the program is that it has been designed to allow schools to deliver this program without golf specific equipment by utilizing existing equipment they have in their gymnasiums such as floor hockey sticks and hoola hoops. Schools interested in only receiving the program learning resource will pay $25.

The Golf in Schools program also offers an “adopt a school” option whereby individuals can make a direct donation to the RCGA to bring the program into a school of their choice. Individuals interested in the “adopt a school” option will receive a tax receipt for the full amount of their donation.

Canadian elementary schools interested in signing up or finding out more about the National Golf in Schools Program can visit the program website at www.nationalgolfinschools.com or by calling 1-800-263-0009 ext. 204.

ABOUT PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION CANADA
Physical and Health Education Canada, formerly the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD), is a national, charitable voluntary-sector organization whose primary concern is to influence the healthy development of children and youth by advocating for quality, school-based physical and health education. PHE Canada's vision is "All Canadian children and youth living physically active and healthy lives" and as such advocates and educates for quality physical and health education programs within supportive school and community environments.

For more information, visit www.phecanada.ca.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS’ ASSOCIATION
Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country.

For more information, visit www.cpga.com

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract t he best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.

For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.