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21 August 2008

Golf - Targeting future stars!

Golf body targets future stars
Thursday, August 21, 2008

THE National Golf Association of Fiji (NGAF) is committed to developing the sport at grassroots level with the aim of unearthing more special golfers such as Vijay Singh.
NGAF is targeting schools and the response so far has been overwhelming.

Professional golfer and NGAF development officer Jimi Luita has, for the last few months, been working closely with the students of Pacific Harbour International Multicul-tural School and he is impressed with the interest shown by the students.

"We've introduced golf to school kids around Fiji," he said. "We started in Pacific Harbour and the development coaches will also be moving around to other areas in Fiji.

"The program at Pacific Harbour is past eight weeks now and because there is a golf course nearby we are also holding clinics on Saturday.

"The kids pay $5 for it which is for the coaches and tutors."

Luita said with the Pearl Resort allowing use of its South Pacific Championship golf course for the school children, the awareness campaign was sure to bear fruit in future.

"A lot of kids know Vijay Singh and look up to him. They idolise him and this is like a boost for them.
"Who knows, one of these juniors will become Fiji's next Vijay Singh by making it big in the sport.'
"We are blessed to be working with them (Pearl Resort).
"They have opened the door for us and the schools as well."

The NGAF development program is also benefitting disabled students of special schools like Hilton and Suva Vocational.

Luita said there were a lot of opportunities aboard for the disabled and not only in golf but other sports as well.

Pacific Harbour International Multicultural School head teacher Dominika Lutua said the initiative was proving very helpful.

"Golf is one sport that is neglected in schools probably because of lack of interest and the fact that students are unaware of the rules.

"We don't normally play golf in schools," she said.

"Since we started the students have been exposed to learning about golf and we feel very fortunate because we have a golf course which is just next door.

"It provides the students with a great opportunity to learn," Lutua said.

She said students were showing a lot of interest to learn golf. "Some natural young golfers have already been identified and they just love to practice."

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