CDA’s 2022 Jr Golf Programme...a step towards greatness for youth

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley (red t-shirt) and Minister of Planning and Development Pennelope Beckles, (left), alongside students and golf coaches at the launch of the Chaguaramas Development Authority 2022 Junior Golf programme at Chaguaramas Golf Course, on Wednesday. Photo by Jelani Beckles
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley (red t-shirt) and Minister of Planning and Development Pennelope Beckles, (left), alongside students and golf coaches at the launch of the Chaguaramas Development Authority 2022 Junior Golf programme at Chaguaramas Golf Course, on Wednesday. Photo by Jelani Beckles

THE Prime Minister encouraged the youngsters about to embark in cycle two of the Chaguaramas Development Authority 2022 Junior Golf Programme to view it as the first step to achieving greatness and representing TT in the sport.

Dr Rowley, an avid golfer, delivered the feature address at the launch of the programme at the Chaguaramas Golf Course, on Wednesday.

Schools expected to learn the fundamentals of golf in the programme which tees off on Monday are St Anthony’s College, St James Secondary, Diego Martin Girls’ RC, Pt Cumana Government, Pt Cumana RC and Carenage Boys’ RC.

Rowley, who spoke about his love for cricket, football and track and field before attempting golf, encouraged the children to reach for the stars.

“I don’t know your names yet, but I am sure that in the not too distant future I will know the names of some of you and some of you will become household names in the sporting arena of TT,” Rowley said.

“You are going to embark on an exercise that I am sure you will enjoy and could enjoy for all your physical life and of course, you may go on to become an outstanding participant in a world sport.”

Rowley said that representing TT is not an unrealistic goal.

“As you juniors get the opportunity to participate and to represent (and) if you display the talent that I think you have residing within you some of you will become representatives to represent us and to wear this national colour somewhere as a member of the national golf team of TT.”

Rowley said the participants need a strong team around them.

“The role of the parents or guardian, neighbour or friend in supporting any child who is interested in playing this or any sport is as important as the child who is playing because the children always need support as they embark on endeavours.”

Naiomi Roberts of Diego Martin Girls spoke about what she learnt in the programme previously.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, right, gives Naiomi Roberts, middle, and Clarisse Marin a golf lesson at Chaguaramas Golf Course, on Wednesday. Photo by Jelani Beckles

Roberts said she “enjoyed the training” and the programme was “informative.”

However, the “highlight was meeting Dr Keith Christopher Rowley.”

Roberts also thanked the CDA for the experience.

Minister of Planning and Development Pennelope Beckles spoke about the value of sport as someone who dabbled in table tennis and track and field at university.

The lessons instilled in youngsters during the clinic will go beyond the golf course, said Beckles.

“I believe exposing children to organised sports will lead to world-class athletes,” Beckles said.

Beckles said sport has psychological benefits and it teaches life skills such as teamwork and leadership.

Beckles said the participants should not take this chance for granted.

“Take this opportunity seriously…put your best foot forward.”

Success will not materialise without “hard work and discipline.”

Beckles confirmed that Professor Frank Fraley of Worker Bee Institute in Fleetwood, New York donated equipment to the CDA for the programme.

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