UXBRIDGE, Ont. — The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) is proud to announce a new initiative called She Swings She Scores (SSSS). SSSS is a program that targets female athletes currently participating in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and introduces them to golf at sanctioned hockey tournaments across Ontario.
The program, which will begin in October, aims to visit 20 tournaments across the province during the 2014/15 female hockey season and will expose more than 6300 girls to the game of golf.
The program represents a partnership between the GAO and the OWHA that is made possible by the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund. The partnership between the two complementary sports will provide opportunities for these girls and their teammates to participate in sport all year round.
“She Swings She Scores” targets girls currently participating in hockey and introduces them to golf by bringing golf directly to them. It also provides opportunities for these girls and their teammates to learn the sport together,” said Steve Carroll, GAO Executive Director. “She Swings She Scores” is a great example of introducing the game of golf to girls and will help engage them with all of the benefits golf has to offer.”
SSSS has strategically aligned itself with Golf Canada’s CN Future Links Girls’ Club program to help introduce more girls to the sport of golf. Girls’ Club has similar goals to SSSS in that it encourages girls to experience all of the benefits of sport in a fun and engaging “girls only” setting. In addition to learning golf skills, the program promotes building self-esteem through a sport they can enjoy for life.
“We are thrilled to partner with GAO on this outstanding initiative that showcases the exceptional opportunities for girls to excel as athletes and to grow as people through participation in two great sports”, said Fran Rider, President, Ontario Women’s Hockey Association.
The GAO is also pleased to announce that they have partnered with three-time Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist Gillian Apps as the ambassador of the program. “I’m really excited to be involved with She Swings She Scores. This great initiative provides a fun environment for girls to get outside and be active. As an Olympic hockey player, I truly believe it’s important for youth to play different sports. Golf is a great way to challenge yourself and acquire new skills that will help make you a better all around athlete,” said Apps.
Follow along with SSSS by liking them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/sheswingsshescores and on Twitter at @GAO_SSSS.
