Twelve women with various disabilities participating in the Beyond Ability Talent Solutions mentorship programme had the opportunity to take a swing at golf with the help of coaches from the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA)’s First Swing Programme (FSP) at a special event held on Women’s Day, August 9.
Spirits ran high at the Killarney Country Club as the women, none of whom had ever tried golf before, received tips and encouragement from coaches Prince Modiba and Barend Knoetze, as well as four golfers with disabilities, Jodi Schultz, Curtley Roberts, Ernst Conradie and Charlene Pienaar.
Moreover, one of the talented young FSP players, Ignation Douries, shared how playing golf has helped him shift his mindset and improve his physical wellbeing and belief in himself.
Sponsoring the FSP gives Canon South Africa the opportunity to support three passions that are close to its heart: children, local sport and people with disabilities.
“Playing golf has been shown to have exceptional physical and emotional benefits for people with disabilities. During our association with SADGA so far, we have seen first-hand the positive impact of the programme on the rehabilitation and psychological development of people with disabilities,” says Dana Eitzen, corporate and marketing communications executive at Canon South Africa.
“We loved seeing the ladies being so open to learning and getting stuck in. The smiles on their faces said it all. We are delighted that we were able to help make this event possible.”
Canon South Africa also sponsors the South Africa Disabled Golf Open, which attracts some of the world’s best golfers with disabilities from around the world. This year, two women competed in this prestigious event, including Charlene Pienaar, who was the only blind woman golfer participating in the tournament.
For more information about Beyond Ability Talent Solutions and its mentorship programme for woman entrepreneurs with disabilities, click here.
