By Abubakar Yunusa
No fewer than 100 young golfers gather in Abuja to participate in the Leader Joe 1808 Foundation Golf Junior Championship 2023.
The Junior Championship aims to familiarize young golfers with the proper way to play golf, fostering skill development, especially now that golf is an Olympic sport.
Executive Director and founder of the 1808 Foundation, Leader Joseph Onu, while addressing newsmen, noted that 100 young between five to 18 age golfers from 8 states of the federation who registered were invited for the championship.
He said: “We chose golf to promote education, peace, as some participants express their commitment to causes like promoting peace, supporting underserved communities, or aiding less privileged individuals.”
Discussing the initiative, Onu mentioned, “We have more than 118 children under our scholarship scheme, a program that has been ongoing for the past six years. We engage in community development, among other activities.”
Regarding the prize for the winner, he added, “There’s a plethora of prizes, including scholarships, brand-new golf bags, and other goodies.”
Major General G.A. Umelo RTD, the patron of the foundation, shared his thoughts, saying that , “Junior golf tournaments are a commendable initiative, providing opportunities we missed during our youth. I started playing golf.”
Speaking on the unifying role of sports, he said “At this age, they are already building networks and friendships. This is not only vital for golf but for other sports as well.”
He continued, “Sports can unite us; the sooner we emphasize its importance, the better for all of us.”
Umelo highlighted the foundation’s commitment to empowerment, utilizing funds generated last year for disadvantaged individuals in society.
He urged the government to support and sponsor non-governmental organizations involved in such initiatives, emphasizing that the government cannot address these challenges alone.
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