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City and SADGA open first golf environment for children living with disabilities

18 October 2016

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© City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Anda Ntsodo, was on hand earlier today to tee off at the new and modified golf environment at the Astra School for the Disabled.

The City's Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department, in partnership with the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA), opened the course which will enable children with disabilities to become involved in this growing sport and is part of their First Swing Programme.​

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SADGA's First Swing Programme was implemented 13 years ago and in the past five years the organisation has modified 34 golf environments to provide golfing opportunities to more than 900 children living with disabilities across South Africa.

'Large numbers of disabled children are not able to take part in any school sport. Unlike many other sports, the pace of the sport in these modified golf environments can be adjusted to the needs and limitations of the individual.

​​​​"We want opportunities for leading a healthy, active life to be available to everyone. Golf, as with any other sport, plays a role in promoting inclusion, fostering social participation and creating friendships."​ Anda NtsodoCity Mayoral Committee Member: Community Services

​​The City has partnered with the South African Disabled Golf Association for the past three years to provide golf equipment and balls to five schools, as well as transport for participants.

The Astra School has provided a dedicated area for this golf programme and SADGA has modified the space into a fun golfing environment which is not only therapeutic, but educational as well. The programme currently takes place at the Astra School, with six sessions per week catering for more than 150 children.

'Golf provides a platform for acquiring life skills. The sport builds confidence, lowers stress levels and encourages outdoor activity.

​​​​"The course is designed to be more inclusive inside the school, which means the children can take part in these activities in all weather conditions. This is not straight-up golf. The activities have been modified to allow for people with any type of disability to play. There are a number of smaller activities which lead to golf development and teach them the basics of the game​."​ Anda NtsodoCity Mayoral Committee Member: Community Services​

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