DERBY - Students at Irving School recently were introduced to the game of golf through The First Tee program.
The program promotes healthy, active lifestyles for young people through the game of golf.
The First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing golf and its inherent values to young people.
Christine Ortiz, Irving School’s Physical Education/Health teacher worked to bring the program to the school.
“The First Tee is designed around teaching students the game of golf, as well as helping them develop The First Tee Nine Core Values, which are honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment,” Ortiz said.
Under Armour sponsored Irving School and provided $3,750 in funding for the First Tee’s National School Program.
The fee includes a full Kindergarten through Grade 5 curriculum, equipment for students, and three-hour online teacher training for Ortiz.
At Irving School, students in grades K-5 will be introduced to golf through activities and skills stations while learning the core values that can extend throughout the school as well as at home and in their communities. Lessons are delivered and skills are practiced once per week for 40 minutes.
VITAHLS partnership
The Derby School District is partnered with the Valley Initiative to Advance Health & Learning in Schools.
VITAHLS brings together Griffin Hospital, the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, and the Seymour, Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Shelton school districts and the Emmett O’Brien Regional Vocational Technical School in Ansonia.
The mission is to develop, implement, evaluate, and sustain a Valley-wide, school-based childhood obesity prevention program to reduce the prevalence of obesity in students in grades Pre-K-12.
Ortiz is an active member of VITAHLS and represents the school at the monthly collaborative meetings along with Jessica Cahill, RN.
Principal Jennifer Olson said, “The First Tee golf program is another opportunity to expose our students to an activity that promotes health and wellness. Many of our students would not get an opportunity to learn about this game at such a young age without a school-based program like this one.”
According to The First Tee, “research has shown the primary reason young people, especially those who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, do not play the game is due to a lack of affordable junior golf programs.” Ortiz said.
“The students are having lots of fun and are excited about learning how to use all of the new golf equipment," she said.
Fourth grader Bria Hayden said, “I want to learn how to get better at hitting the targets.”
Aniyah Roman, a kindergartener said she liked when “they got to take turns using the golf clubs.” According to the First Tee website, there are currently 86 elementary schools in Connecticut participating in the program.
Avid golfer and Derby Public Schools' Business Manager Mark Izzo says, “I started golfing when I was in my twenties. In the time I have been golfing, I can say this humbling game has helped me further develop as a player, teammate, and individual. The First Tee Nine Core Values will allow our young students to develop these critical life-skills at a very early age. ”
Olson said, “I want to thank Mrs.. Ortiz for seeking out this program for our students. We are tremendously grateful to Under Armour and the team from the First Tee for helping to make this possible for the students here at Irving School.”
Youth development organization
The First Tee was established by the World Golf Foundation in November 1997 as a not-for-profit organization 501(c)3.
The initial focus was on creating affordable access for those not previously exposed to the game of golf.
It has since broadened its focus to that of a youth development organization that teaches life skills using golf as a platform.
Founding partners include the PGA TOUR, LPGA, PGA of America, USGA, and the Masters Tournament.
This is a press release from Irving School.
No comments:
Post a Comment