New Golf Academy Gives 28 Curepipe Youth Free Access to ‘Elitist’ Sport

The Fondation Espoir Développement Beachcomber (FED) has launched a new Golf Academy in Curepipe, aimed at promoting social inclusion by introducing the sport to children from the Résidence La-Brasserie community.

The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Mauritius Golf Federation (MGF) and The Islander Golf Academy (TIGA), currently supports 28 children aged 8 to 15.

The FED and its partners are covering all costs associated with the children’s golf education, marking the latest step in the Foundation’s commitment to using sport for social integration, following the creation of a Tennis Academy in Trou-aux-Biches.

Developing Talent and Life Skills

The academy’s core mission is to introduce youngsters to golf, scout for emerging talent, support their progress, and foster personal development through the values inherent in the sport.

Every week, a minibus collects the aspiring golfers from the community centre on Monday afternoons, transporting them to the Dodo Club for their regular training sessions.

Coaches Owen Charlot and Dinesh Parag oversee two groups of 14 children, teaching them the basics of the discipline, including equipment use (clubs and balls), rules, course etiquette, and swing technique.

Coach Owen Charlot praised the children’s enthusiasm and rapid progress. “The children’s enthusiasm is a pleasure to see,” he said.

“Some have even looked up tutorials on YouTube to improve their game. For young people who hadn’t seen a golf ball barely two months ago, their progress is impressive.”

Young Golfers Embrace the Game

Thirteen-year-old participants Ciara Valère and Cassandra Delrosa are part of the academy’s inaugural class, proudly practising their basic moves on the course.

“I love the swing!” confessed Ciara, who watches videos to refine her movements. “Golf is a sport of precision. Progress doesn’t happen overnight.

But with regular training, we’ll get there. I’m starting to master the swing better and understand the different types of shots.”

Cassandra, who previously enjoyed basketball and football, found an instant passion for golf upon joining the academy.

“It’s here that I discovered this sport, and I confess that I appreciate it a little more every week,” she noted.

“Now I even watch golf tournaments on TV. What I also like is the very ‘nature’ side of this activity. I really enjoy the contact with nature.”

Democratising ‘Elitist’ Sports

The Golf Academy is a key component of the FED’s wider strategy to democratise access to sports often perceived as elitist, particularly for youth from vulnerable backgrounds.

Viren Vythelingum, CSR Manager of Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, commented on the initiative: “This project is part of the deployment of our sports component.

The objective is to democratise access to disciplines often perceived as elitist and allow the largest number, particularly young people from vulnerable backgrounds, to access them.

Through this project, we wish to initiate children into golf, detect early talents, and offer them a real springboard to evolve in this demanding but opportunity-filled discipline.”

He specifically thanked the partners, stating the MGF and TIGA “share this vision with us and actively contribute to the realisation of this wonderful initiative.”

Balah Chinnayya, Golf Coordinator for the MGF, echoed this sentiment, confirming the partnership’s aim “to make golf accessible to everyone, and more particularly to vulnerable communities.

Together, we wish to offer new opportunities, promote sport, and encourage inclusion with the Curepipe Golf Academy.”

Source: Le Mauricien