by Clifton Ross
INDIA High Commissioner to Guyana Dr K. J. Srinivasa showed support during the recent opening of one of the most anticipated annual summer programmes, the Nexgen Golf Academy Junior GolFun Camp.

The camp kicked off on Monday at the Scouts Association ground on Woolford Avenue, with over 150 participants and His Excellency spoke about the dramatic change in access to the sport, brought about by the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf in such a short time.

“Aleem (Hussain) has brought new energy and dynamics to a sport that, under normal circumstances, most of those here would not be able to enjoy. These smiling faces are testament to the efforts of his team and the sponsors who believed in his vision and I’m happy to be here to share this moment with you all.”

The Guyana Tourism Authority, Digicel Business, Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Kings Jewellery, Rentokil Initial Guyana Ltd, BlueLife Waters, Sunshine Snacks, DDL Pepsi, Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, Assuria General Insurance, MovieTowne Guyana, Jaxx Restaurant, Caliper Drones and Praetorian Executive Security Services were among the numerous sponsors who provided the opportunity for children from all backgrounds to experience an event of such magnitude.

PRO Guy Griffith also lauded the vision of Hussain, the founder of the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf Academy, “Today is a realisation of a dream and hard work by someone who doesn’t just talk, but delivers. Who would have expected this many families would be here, and able to play golf?”

Mr Kamrul Baksh of GTA said, “We immediately supported this programme because of the impact it has on children and the inclusiveness of the participants. Nexgen Golf has done a fantastic job of creating awareness for golf in Guyana and that is great news for tourism”

The participants, both parents and children, were given instruction in First Aid and Self Defence by Praetorian Security Services, Archery by ProArchers Guyana, Table Tennis by Guyana Table Tennis Association, and complimentary massages by ModFin Salon & Spa, but their focus and interest in golfing was satisfied by the Academy golf coaches supported by Secondary School PE teachers and several of the top golf caddies in Guyana.

Godfrey Munroe, vice-president of the Guyana Olympic Association and president of the GTTA, who was present on the opening day, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for inter-sport promotion and cooperation and we definitely want to build on this model since it’s evident by the turnout and reaction from both parents and children, this is worth pursuing. My congratulations to Aleem and his team for another fantastic job well done!”

The camp will conclude on August 27 with a Chip & Putt tournament for trophies, prizes and a graduation ceremony to be topped off with ice cream compliments of Sterling Products Ltd.
Asked about the potential for additional activities, General Manager Philip Haynes said there were several major amateur 3-hole tournaments that will be sponsored by Comfort Sleep, Vivaanta Spa, Digicel Business, Assuria General Insurance, Trophy Stall, V&V Distributors, MovieTowne Guyana and Jaxx Restaurant in the coming weeks.

“These events are for new players who will compete with persons at their level, so everyone has a chance to win and at the same time, build their game and confidence as we seek to create a national team to represent Guyana internationally.”

Over the past 18 months, through the sole efforts of the GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy, in partnership with the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, golf has garnered national attention with thousands of learners and teachers now involved in the sport and over 100 students made history for Guyana, taking golf as a PE Elective for the first time at the CSEC examinations this year.