Golf Association, School of the Nations partner to develop student-athletes

School of the Nations has partnered with the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf Academy to provide over 1,000 current students and 4,000+ alumni access to the sport of golf.

The partnership will take effect immediately and be available for the upcoming academic year.

“We see education as a means of realizing individual potential and as a powerful force in the transformation of society, with a focus on a rounded approach to academics, arts and sports”, a release from the Golf Association stated.

According to Nations Director, Pamela O’Toole: “I am extremely happy to welcome golf to our school since I personally know the benefits of the sport. I feel this will definitely help our students, all of whom will have access to the life skills that golf offers, physical fitness, mental focus, problem-solving, social and business networking, and competitiveness even when they graduate. ”

The school, which recently added Archery to its list of activities, sees golf as a solution to the need for students to maintain an active physical lifestyle with a sport that is fully compliant with the COVID-19 guidelines.

School of the Nations will take advantage of the existing structure being developed by the Guyana Golf Association and Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit and compete with the other secondary school teams for the national title.

Students will also be eligible for selection to the national team that will eventually represent the country internationally and hopefully at the Olympics.

Physical Education Teacher, Kenrick Cheeks, said he too was excited about the partnership and felt it would be a welcome addition to his department since it was a non-contact sport and much needed during these trying times.

President of the GGA Aleem Hussain expressed, “this is a partnership that we feel will enhance the growth of the sport and bring the best that the country has to offer to the arena.  Golf opens many doors to players and the fact that it is on the school curriculum gives students a chance to earn scholarships to top universities worldwide, especially young women.”

Hussain stated that talks are ongoing with other private schools and universities to bring the game to their students and alumni.

There are plans to build at least five scaled courses so that every region has access to a quality facility – the first is underway on the West Coast Demerara – for training and tournaments.