The summer of 2002 for the MAYGA

Jack Nicklaus, champion golfer, winner of 71 PGA Tour victories, including 18 major championships is involved in The First Tee, a World Golf Foundation initiative that gives youth a chance to develop life-enhancing values through golf. A group of Mattawa golfers decided that they didn't need to be champions in order to offer a similar program to children in our area. In the summer of 2001, 45 youth between the ages of 5-17 formed the Mattawa and Area Youth Golf Association. With the cooperation and assistance of Mike and Brenda Martel, owners of Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort, and under the instruction of CGA Professional Glen Cundari, these young people enjoyed 8 sessions of golf instruction, were given opportunities to play the game and had a chance to experience fun and learning at the same time. Golf is a game that builds life skills such as responsibility, self-confidence, sportsmanship and perseverance.

The popularity and success of this first season was evident on registration day for this past summer's program. Registration began at 10:00 AM on a Saturday in April, and at 8:30 parents were lining up to register their children. By 10:30, the 45 spots were filled and close to another 45 were on a waiting list. The Board of Directors, consisting of Vala Monestime Belter, Michel Boulanger, Lynn Lavallee, Dillon McGee and Hazel Swindle met with Glenn Cundari and Mike Martel and decided to double the program so that all interested youth could be involved. It was decided that the younger golfers would participate in the morning and the older ones would come to the golf course in the afternoons for their session.

One of MAYGA's goals was to keep this program affordable. The eight sessions cost $25 dollars at registration and three dollars each week. This included the cost of instruction, green fees, and transportation to and from Mattawa on a school bus and lunch.

Some of the older participants who need to complete 40 volunteer hours as part of the requirements for their secondary school diploma played an important role during these sessions. From collecting money, taking attendance, helping with the younger golfers and serving the lunches, these students were invaluable to the running of the program. Many thanks to Joelle Boulanger, Samantha Hinschberger, Veronica Hinschberger, Vanessa Labreche, and Jeran Lefebvre for their assistance.

During most sessions the participants were divided into groups. Some went out on the course and played the game, putting into practice the skills they were learning on the driving range, the putting green and the bunkers. The other groups worked on skill development with Glen Cundari and Mike Martel. A number of parent volunteers and members of the golf club assisted with supervision and other duties as needed.

As a culminating activity both groups of golfers participated in a scramble. It was heartwarming to observe the older golfers encouraging the younger ones and making them feel part of a team. A good time was had by all. After the tournament and a spaghetti lunch, the awards ceremony took place. Throughout the summer, there was a points system ongoing. Points were given for attendance and answers to golf trivia quizzes given weekly by Glen Cundari. Prizes were awarded on the basis of points, but all youngsters received recognition. Jeran Lefebvre and Ashton Kirkham received special awards from Nipissing Copier for their enthusiasm, cooperation and skill development.

This golf program would not have been possible without the financial aid from our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the following for their support - Algonquin Nursing Home, Columbia Forest Products, Mattawa Lions Club, Mattawa Men's Hockey League, Mattawa Old-timers Hockey, Barry McConomy, Mattawa Legion, Dr. Wilkins and the Mattawa Medical Association, Tembec and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation awarded a grant of $24,800 to help fund MAYGA for a two-year term. "These Trillium funds will greatly assist us in establishing a solid youth golf program in the Mattawa area," said Vala Monestime Belter, MAYGA president. The current grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will help increase youth participation in the sport of golf through promotion and accessibility to age appropriate instruction. The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative. The Foundation provides grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts, culture, sports, recreation, environment and social service sectors.

The 2003 season will be even better. Glenn Ogletree has been hired as project coordinator and will be working closely with the Board, the Mattawa Golf Course and Glen Cundari to implement some new components to the existing program. As well, there will be an updated MAYGA website where news, upcoming events and even registration forms will be available. The revised website will be launched in the spring, so please keep posted. We look forward to seeing everyone at Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort again next summer.