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USGA Foundation Hosts Its First Pikes Peak Summit Conference Brings USGA-Supported Golf Programs Together to Exchange Best Practices Contact Jessica Turnwald COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 24, 2003) - The United States Golf Association (USGA) Foundation will host its first Pikes Peak Summit on March 28-30 in Colorado Springs, as part of the "For the Good of the Game" initiative. The USGA will bring together representatives from USGA-supported non-profit organizations from across the country to exchange best practices surrounding golf programs that aim to reach economically disadvantaged youth, minority youth and girls, as well as individuals with disabilities. The conference will be held at the Antlers Adam's Mark Hotel, 4 South Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903. More than 300 representatives from USGA-supported organizations, past and present, including executive directors, board members, program directors, and instructors who run local golf programs and facilities across the nation will participate. The conference promises to offer educational and networking opportunities, enabling participants to attend a variety of best practice workshops, ranging from fundraising, grant-writing and media relations to implementing and effectively operating junior golf programs and facilities. Workshops will also tackle more specific programmatic impact issues, such as the importance of measuring attendance, academics, citizenship and golf skills. Guest speakers at the Pikes Peak Summit will include USGA President Reed Mackenzie and former USGA Presidents Judy Bell and Trey Holland. "For six years the USGA has been making grants to local golf programs for course access, equipment and instruction," said Mackenzie. "The time is such that we make a further investment by offering a forum for those successes to be shared and for many others to learn from them." Networking opportunities will exist with representatives from national golf organizations, including the LPGA, the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the National Golf Course Owner's Association, the PGA of America, and The First Tee. Individuals from highly recognized and successful junior golf programs and facilities from across the country will headline the many workshops and share their hands-on experience. "We believe that golf can positively impact kids and individuals with disabilities through the inherent life lessons the game offers," said former USGA President and Grants Committee Member Judy Bell. "There are no better educators in the game than the local champions that, because of their passion, so generously keep these programs running year after year." Since 1997, the USGA has awarded more than $34 million in grants through its "For the Good of the Game" initiative. This 10-year, $50 million dollar initiative supports non-profit organizations that share the belief that participating in the game of golf can enhance people's lives. For further information on the USGA's Pikes Peak Summit or the programs that have received USGA "For the Good of the Game" grants in your local area, contact Jessica Turnwald at the USGA Foundation office at (719) 471-4810, ext. 28. ABOUT THE USGA FOUNDATION Since 1997, the USGA Foundation has been awarding grants through its "For the Good of the Game" Grants Program in an effort to make golf more affordable and accessible. This 10-year, $50 million dollar initiative has traditionally focused on programming for economically disadvantaged youth and individuals with disabilities, as well as the introduction of youth to the game of golf through caddying and other work-based programs. Beyond its Grants Program, the USGA partners with national organizations to promote affordable and accessible facility development, course access, girls golf, and initiatives for individuals with disabilities. During the past six years, the USGA has fostered the professional development of recent college graduates through its Fellowship in Leadership and Service program. USGA Fellows learn about the non-profit sector, grant-making, the U.S. Golf Association and have the opportunity to develop personally and professionally through hands-on experiences. Presently, the USGA has 12 Fellows working at the USGA Foundation in Colorado Springs. For more information on the USGA Foundation, contact the Foundation office at (719) 471-4810 or visit the web site at www.usga.org/foundation. |