THE second Annual Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/ Sterling Pruducts/ Nexgen Golf Academy, dedicated to former coach, Colin Ming, finished on a high note on Thursday at the Scouts Association of Guyana ground, with another camp set for August 2nd.
Paul Charles, reigning Mister Model of Tourism World, joined sponsors Mohamed and Colin (H. Nauth & Sons) and Meirisa Jennings (BM Enterprises) to assist with the handing over of Certificates and Trophies that were sponsored by Ansa Mcal, BM Enterprises, Toolsie Persaud, AR Printery and Trophy Stall.
Former Women’s champion Dr. Joaan Deo stood in for Captain Chen Deo, running the competition with Coaches Margo and Vishal, and assistance from Ms. Thomas, announcing the winners from the 60 participants in the eight categories.

Speaking on behalf of the kids, Elton George, who was born with cerebral palsy and brought by the Gonsalves family to play Golf for the first time, summed it up with a simple statement “This was my greatest experience and I loved it!” The Golf Camp featured table tennis and fitness with Coach Miguel Wong, players from the Guyana National Table Tennis Team and the Titans Tennis Club along with coaches, Anand Mangra and Narda Mohamed, for Archery. “The reaction of the kids to a variety of sports at the Camp saw several getting involved in sports they never even imagined they would like!”

Ms. Mizuna Gonsalves spoke for the parents, thanking the coaches and staff of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy for their efforts stating “This was an excellent initiative and most welcome for parents who wanted a safe and welcoming environment for their children after months of being cooped up at home. It was a well-run programme and most importantly, our kids absolutely loved their experience, and the coaches were excellent!” Jake Thomas and Dean Viapree added “Our boys had a fantastic experience and we’ll definitely be recommending the Academy to friends and family.”

President of the GGA/Nexgen Golf Academy, Aleem Hussain, said it was the parents, coaches, staff and sponsors which included the Shafura Hussain Foundation, Anwar Buddy Shaffie, the Ming family and the many overseas Guyanese golfers, who along with staunch corporate sponsors such as Assuria General Insurance; Copa Airlines; Blue Life Waters; Trophy Stall; Ansa Mcal; Toolsie Persaud; Kanuku Suite & Apartments; Ramchand Auto; Kanuku Tours; Angel Seafood Restaurant & Bar; Sunshine Snacks; Ram & Mcrae; Puran Brothers; Panko Steel Construction; H. Nauth & Sons; DanCo Inc.; AR Printery; Bissessar Shipping Company; CS World Cargo & Logistics; Sterling Products; Caliper Drones; PasCargo; New Trend Auto; Pur Persaud; Maraiko Bay Resorts; the Knight family; and NexGen Global Group who were the reason for the success of this and other efforts to develop golf in Guyana.

Hussain emphasized that without the help from Head Coach, Dr. Joaan Deo, and all the other coaches, Philip, Niketa, Steve, Al Wilson Jr., Andrew and Captain Chen Deo, who helped to design the training programme and worked with the Academy during the past year, this Camp could not have been a success. Due to the demand, another Golf Camp will commence on Aug 2-14 with added attractions of Fitness Training, Table Tennis, Badminton and Archery being showcased.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Service Guyana HVAC, Toolsie Persaud, Ansa Mcal, H. Nauth & Sons and Trophy Stall, kids from the BV Police Youth Group, headed by Mr. Barrow will be given the opportunity to experience these sports. Plans are also being made to host additional Golf Camps and activities during the rest of the year in Berbice, Linden, Essequibo, West Coast Demerara and Georgetown. “These will be two- and three-day camps in various regions so that all kids are given the opportunity to learn from the top coaches in the country.” Anyone interested in future activities, Golf Camps, or learning the game can contact the Academy, which has a lighted Driving Range that is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, via WhatsApp 668 7419 or nexgengolfacademy on Facebook and Instagram.