City Announces 21 IPS Schools Participating in The First Tee Program

More than 8,000 IPS schoolchildren learning game of golf, character development through nine core values

Mayor Greg Ballard today announced that more than 8,000 IPS schoolchildren are now learning the game of golf and character development through The First Tee of Indianapolis program. The First Tee of Indianapolis Executive Director Brad Beck, Indy Parks Director Stuart Lowry and IPS 94 George S. Buck Elementary School joined Mayor Ballard in announcing the participation of 21 IPS schools in The First Tee program.

“Through the game of golf, The First Tee of Indianapolis impacts young people by providing facilities, resources and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values,” Mayor Ballard said. “I support the expansion of The First Tee program in schools across Indianapolis so that youth of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to learn early on the game of golf and the values it teaches and enjoy it throughout their lives.”

Becoming a sponsor of The First Tee National School Program provides participating schools with developmentally appropriate golf equipment, the National School Program curriculum based on national physical education standards, and training of physical education teachers. To support the local program at IPS schools, The First Tee of Indianapolis and Indy Parks & Recreation provided $26,500 in available golf funds donated to The Indianapolis Parks Foundation. A matching PGA grant awarded through The First Tee provided the additional funding needed.

“IPS over the past few years has been working on lifetime sports, and The First Tee sport of golf is one of the great lifetime activities to learn,” said IPS Wellness Coordinator Audrey Satterblom. “Character education is one of the areas in physical education we work on as well, and The First Tee’s nine core values support the philosophy of what we are trying to do –help our youth become better human beings.”

“This is part of our outreach efforts to expand the program to schools throughout Indianapolis,” said The First Tee of Indianapolis Executive Director Brad Beck. “Our ultimate goal is to have more affiliate sites at golf courses around the City where the program can grow. Participating in the National School Program shows the youth how golf can be fun and teaches core values they can take to the classroom and home, and become productive citizens, our future leaders.”

Launched in 2004, The First Tee National School Program trains physical educators to introduce children to the game of golf and The First Tee Nine Core Values during regular physical education classes. The golf industry partnerships established by the National School Program encourage students to pursue their interest in golf and adopt its values beyond the classroom. There are more than 2,600 participating elementary schools in the country.

The First Tee of Indianapolis program provides opportunities for boys and girls to develop skills that will enable them to become responsible citizens and leaders in their communities. Participants receive mentoring and tutoring from positive role models, golf lessons, opportunities to pay for reduced fees, and tournament play, education and scholarship opportunities. For more information, visit www.thefirstteeindy.org.