June 2010 Recipients
The First Tee New Zealand will be able to teach children life skills and develop their self esteem with its $4,000 grant.
The organisation does this through providing ‘Golferships’ (golfing scholarships) to financially disadvantaged children. The First Tee believes the principles on which golf is based also promote character development and life values such as patience and commitment in an interactive and fun environment.
Philippa King, Executive Director of The First Tee New Zealand, says the organisation works to help New Zealand children grow toward their potential of being productive, fulfilled adults who will make a contribution to society.
The First Tee classes improve children’s confidence, social and communication skills and attitude towards responsibility, while also teaching them how to play golf.
The First Tee was established in the United States in 1997 and since then 3.5 million children have participated in its programmes worldwide in Canada, England, Ireland, Singapore and New Zealand since 2005.
