For many children in Maruapula, the Blue Tree Golf Course has been a familiar sight but an inaccessible world. Located nearby, its manicured greens represent a sport often perceived as exclusive.
Now, a new initiative is bridging this divide. Bona Life, in collaboration with Excel Golf Academy, has launched the Maruapula Loxion Golf Programme. This youth-focused program aims to introduce approximately 100 local children to golf.
More Than a Game: Life Lessons on the Course
The program’s official launch underscored its broader ambitions. Phatsimo Keakabetse, CEO of Bona Life, highlighted golf’s capacity to teach more than just athletic skills. She emphasized the sport’s role in personal development.
Keakabetse noted her own recent introduction to golf and its impact. “What I’ve learnt is that golf is more than a sport. It builds discipline; it builds character; it’s a classroom on its own,” she stated. She described golf as a unique arena for developing integrity, where self-assessment is key.
“In golf, you learn to be your own referee. You know when you’re wrong and when you’re right,” Keakabetse observed. These values, she suggested, are crucial for children’s growth.
Community Support Fuels Progress
Parental involvement is central to the program’s success. Keakabetse commended parents for their dedication, including those who transport multiple children to training sessions. She attributed the program’s potential to thrive to the strong sense of community within Maruapula.
Breaking Down Barriers to Access
The initiative grew from a simple observation: despite their proximity to the course, few Maruapula children had ever played golf. Mpho Kelosiwang, coach at Excel Golf Academy, addressed the traditional perception of golf as an elite sport.
“Golf is traditionally perceived as a sport for the rich,” Kelosiwang explained, acknowledging the financial and cultural barriers that have historically limited access for many. The academy recognized this disparity as an opportunity for intervention.
Fostering Inclusivity on the Green
While the program initially drew a small number of participants, Kelosiwang views this as a starting point. He noted that the decision to have participants train alongside the academy’s existing junior golfers was intentional. This approach aims to minimize social divisions and encourage interaction among children from diverse backgrounds.
Looking ahead, the program plans broader expansion. Beyond golf instruction, there are intentions to integrate academic support, offering a comprehensive development environment for the children. This holistic approach resonated with parents, who appreciate the opportunity for their children to engage both athletically and academically.
Parent Dikeledi Roy articulated a common sentiment among families, expressing gratitude to the organizations for “investing in Maruapula kids” and recognizing their potential.
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