The fourth annual First Swing Programme (FSP) Inter Schools KwaZulu-Natal Festival took place at Mount Edgecombe Country Club on September 3, with young golfers with disabilities from Mason Lincoln Special School, Open Air School and RP Moodley School enthusiastically competing in the event.
The tournament was staged in a five-hole, modified golf environment that is utilised across all of the FSP Inter Schools Festivals in Gauteng, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. The environment comprises of a series of inflatables with achievable challenges.
The young players produced some great scores, and Open Air School was the overall winner at the KwaZulu-Natal Festival. Nearest the Pin went to Fikile Dlamini from RP Moodley School; the Longest Drive was presented to Samukelo Ngcobo from Open Air School; the Best Male was Mfundo Blose from RP Moodley School and the Best Female was Mary Ann Dlamini, also from RP Moodley School.
The South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA) Academy Squad, which included Ignation Douries, Raylen De Wee and Simo Mdudu, did a tremendous job of setting up, planning and running the golf day alongside FSP KZN coach Sandile Msimango. FSP extended its thanks to SADGA ambassador Emil Maehler and KZN provincial coordinator Shelvin Kraemer.
Canon SA has been closely involved with the SADGA since 2001. Its involvement has grown and blossomed with support focusing specifically on FSP. Canon SA helped sponsor the inaugural FSP Gauteng Inter Schools Golf Tournament in 2016.
“What a privilege it was to watch the young golfers with disabilities in action at the FSP Inter Schools Golf Festival at Mount Edgecombe Country Club. The joy on their faces is all the reward we need. We are proud to be part of this amazing initiative,” said Dana Eitzen, corporate and marketing communications executive at Canon SA.
FSP provides a platform through which to teach children with disabilities the game of golf. The primary focus of the programme is rehabilitation and psychological development. It operates in 35 schools across the country and about 750 children benefit from it every week.
The Western Cape division of the FSP Inter Schools Golf Tournament will take place in October.
