Imagine a world where every child can thrive, overcome challenges, and envision a brighter future. Since 2013, First Tee-Southern Colorado has dedicated itself to turning this vision into reality, working tirelessly to empower the youth of our community. Our young people face unprecedented challenges—social pressures are relentless, confidence is elusive, and perseverance is an essential superpower they must harness daily.
Here’s a glimpse of the hurdles they encounter:
- 11 million kids lack a safe place to go between 3-6 PM.
- Nearly 1 in 3 teens struggles with anxiety.
- 85% of parents feel character development is a lost value that needs more emphasis in today's society.
At First Tee, we believe that golf is more than a game—it's a powerful metaphor for life. It's not just about the score; it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the character built along the way. Golf teaches goal-setting, teamwork, and resilience, qualities that are crucial for navigating life's challenges. By integrating golf with a life skills curriculum, we create dynamic learning experiences that foster inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience in our youth. We are proud to call this initiative “Building Game Changers.”
Consider the story of Liam, who has Spina Bifida and uses a wheelchair, was inspired by his brother’s enjoyment in First Tee programming and wanted to join in. His parents enrolled him, and at his first session, Liam had a great time learning golf despite the physical barriers he endured. Although he occasionally gets frustrated when he misses the ball, his perseverance is remarkable. He was so happy to be able to be involved in a sport and learn a different way of playing. Now, First Tee is looking into different ways to help his family and hopefully to help him with a wheelchair that would allow him to stand and swing a golf club. First Tee gave Liam a chance to be able to play a sport with his brother and family and learn how to get around the physical challenges caused by Spina Bifida. His determination serves as a powerful inspiration for others to pursue their goals despite difficulties.
Join us in creating a future where every child has the chance to grow, learn, and excel. Your support can change lives.