Thanks to Department of Communities, there have been a number of inclusive golf projects across Northern Ireland including Antrim and Newtownabbey, Belfast, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid and East Antrim. The project encourages and facilitates a collaborative approach to increasing participation in golf among people with disabilities, the project is specifically designed to address the themes identified through the consultation process for the Active Living: No Limits 2016-2021 Action Plan.

As part of the programme Belfast City Council EBA 2020 partners, Colin Glen have teamed up with St. Gerard’s co-educational special school to take part in inclusive golf with coach Seanna Foster and golf pro, Peter Martin. St Gerard’s cater for pupils aged 3-19 with a range of additional needs. The children enjoyed games on the interactive screens and help from the golf pros teaching the participants how to swing, how to make contact with the ball and most importantly, how to enjoy golf.

The aim of the 5 week programme was to educate kids about golf and allowed them to experience sports that they haven’t had the opportunity to take part in before. Coach Seanna Foster has received great feedback from the pupils saying they thoroughly enjoyed the class and can’t wait to learn more about the sport.

Daniel said “The 1st week of golf Peter helped me on the driving range and he helped me take good shots. Peter was so kind helping us we used the irons and it was good. The 2nd week my shots were getting better than before and we were doing new things. We used drivers and I got very good with practice. I am going to come back with my friends. The 3rd week me and Jay and Quinn shot were very good. The 4th week I have improved so much so thank you so much I hope I see you soon”.

“Peter Martin is a really good player at golf. We went there for 4 weeks and it was fun. I wasn’t great at the start but I got very good and I like golf now and I like going back again with my friends and family it is really great” – Anthony.

This is a massive year for Golf in Northern Ireland as we are hosting the The Open in Portrush later in the year. These Inclusive Golf projects are specifically designed to show that Golf is a sport that everyone can take part in and enjoy.

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