A noble initiative, India’s first golf coaching camp for the differently abled, was organised in the Capital recently. The Golf For All Foundation (GFAF), a registered non-profit national golf organisation, held this camp for the special people amongst us, along with able-bodied persons, at the Delhi Golf Club. The Five day camp was held from August 16-20.
Over 50 children, from the age group of 14 to 20 years, including disabled children, got an opportunity to learn golf on the same platform. Prizes were given to all-differently abled, physically challenged and able bodied people who played and learnt together as a team.
This initiative has been the first of its kind by GFAF - the first step towards sensitising society towards equal opportunities for all through the medium of golf.
Managing trustee, GFAF, and a teaching professional here, Jasjit Singh says, “Various studies have proved that sports is important for the differently-abled.
If organised with care, there is little chance of any accident; and instead, it leads to good physical as well as mental development. Not only do these special people cherish the joy of learning a new sport, but also learn how to work in a team and feel like they are a part of the society and not existing on its fringes. It is an honest attempt by us towards inclusion of differently abled persons.”
He added, “GFAF has a vision for Golf4All – in the spirit of golf becoming an Olympic Sport at Rio-Olympic – 2016. Also, it could easily be made a part of the Olympics for the disabled. With this goal in mind, we want to promote golf in all segments of the society and organise competitive golf tournaments, golf clinics, camps, talent search in schools, colleges and the corporate sector.”
While medals were given to the able-bodied, trophies were awarded to the differently-abled. Since many of the ‘special’ players were trying their hand at golf for the first time, they were not ranked first, second or third, but awarded titles. These interesting titles included ‘Happy go lucky’ (won by Gursahai), ‘Most sporty person’ (given to Trisha), ‘Most attentive’ (bagged by Pragya Ghildal), ‘Teacher’s pick,’ ‘Longest drive,’ ‘Closest to the pin’ etc..
Among the guests who supported the event were secretary, ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment- Stuti Kacker, Chairperson of Indian Spinal Injuries Centre- Major Ahluwalia and designers Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra who conceptualised and designed their apparel. Guests at the do included golfer Neelam Pratap Rudy, actor Nasir Abdullah and designer Parul Grover. The event was sponsored by Indian Golf Union, Delhi Golf Club, Nikhil and Shantanu and Callaway Golf.