Schools in the Valley are thrilled to have received sets of golf clubs, generously donated by residents. Thanks to the Drumheller Community Golf Association (DCGA), kids will be able to learn the sport of golf.
Tom Zariski, an avid golfer, and previous board member of DCGA, was playing the role of Santa Claus (if Santa was really into golf) on Wednesday, May 2. Zariski delivered roughly 20 sets of clubs to Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS), St. Anthony’s School, and Greentree School.
“I’ll be able to use them in my high school Phys Ed classes,” said Jeff Messom, athletic director at DVSS. “We do golf lessons in Phys Ed, but we don’t have clubs. With the clubs, we won’t have to rent as many, so it’ll cut costs.”
Messom further explained the clubs could be used to start teaching golf in junior high in the school field and using wiffle balls.
“We are delighted to have the clubs donated, because we believe in healthy living and active lifestyle. It’s crucial to have a well balanced Phys Ed program and we can do that with the clubs,” said Jane Smith, associate principal of Greentree School. “It’s great to have the clubs for the older students and promote golf as a sport.”
The initiative was sponsored by the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society and Newcastle Recreation Association. Alberta Golf, Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club, Rotary Club, Salvation Army, Pioneer Trail Centre, and many individuals donated the clubs.
“It’s really gratifying that community groups and individuals came together to help get the clubs in the hands of the kids who can use them,” said Zariski.
This isn’t the end of the Clubs for Kids program. Zariski keeps being contacted by individuals wishing to donate their clubs. As more clubs are donated, they will be sent to the schools who need them.
“We’ll keep in touch with the schools,” said Zariski. “They might need golf balls or tees. If they develop teams we might be able to help out with travel. This is the beginning of the program.”