High spirits and smiles at Canon First Swing Program’s Inter-Schools golf tournament in Cape Town
It was smiles all round at the Canon FSP Inter-Schools Western Cape Golf Tournament at Rondebosch Golf Club in Cape Town on 24 October 2017.
The young golfers with varying disabilities got their chance to be part of a real golf competition on a modified course. The Cape regional edition of this nationwide initiative saw learners from six schools participating. These were Filia School, Eros School, Thembalethu and Astra School from Western Province; Carpe Diem from Southern Cape and Eden School from the Boland.
Sponsored by Canon South Africa, the tournament is buoyed by SADGA’s (South African Disabled Golf Association) vision to acknowledge young disabled golfers and inspire them to continue reaching for their dreams. All of the participants are part of SADGA’s First Swing Program which works to develop skills and inculcate a passion for golf amongst young school children with disabilities. For many of the children it was the first time they have competed in a regional competition of this nature.
The First Swing Program team set up a five-hole modified course which the children tackled with gusto. The winning school was Astra school for the disabled from Montana and the individual player of the day was Ziyaad George from Eros school.
“The looks of sheer joy on the faces of the young players were heartening and infectious. We thoroughly enjoyed the day with these spirited and enthusiastic young people. We are immensely proud of their progress both as aspiring golfers, and as young people. We congratulate them on the tremendous show of sportsmanship and passion,” says SADGA’s Lily Reich.
The First Swing Program offers a platform which exposes children with disabilities to the game of golf. The primary focus of the Program is on rehabilitation and psychological development of disabled children.
The Program is operational in 38 schools across the country, with over 750 children benefitting every week. The Canon First Swing Program Inter-Schools Golf Tournaments were initiated in 2016 in Gauteng and the Western Cape and was this year expanded to Kwa Zulu Natal. Canon has also played an integral role as sponsor of the Deaf Junior Inter-Provincial tournament for the last two years.
“Over the years, we have been privileged to see firsthand the positive impact of the Program on the rehabilitation and psychological development of young people with disabilities. Their spirit, character and confidence simply flourish. This is why Canon has chosen to support the Program for many years,” says Dana Eitzen of Canon SA.
Canon SA also became the title sponsor for the Canon SA Disabled Golf Open held in May this year.
About Canon Europe
Canon Europe is the EMEA arm of Canon Inc., a global provider of imaging technologies and services, and one of the world’s most well-recognised and loved brands. Canon Europe has operations in around 120 countries, employs approximately 19,000 people across the region, and contributes about a third of Canon’s global revenues annually.
Founded in 1937, Canon has been a leading name in imagery for the past 80 years, and is dedicated to helping people constantly re-imagine what is possible through imaging. From cameras to commercial printers, business consultancy to healthcare technologies, Canon enriches lives and businesses through imaging innovation.
Canon is growing the positive power of imaging technology and services. By delivering social and environmental benefits through our people and products, we are powerfully demonstrating our commitment to our philosophy of Kyosei: living and working together for the common good.
Further information about Canon Europe is available at: www.canon-europe.com
About Canon South Africa
Canon South Africa (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon Europe, came into being on January 4, 2000. Canon Europe is the regional sales and marketing operation for Canon Inc., represented in 120 countries and employing over 11,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Canon Europe invested in South Africa with a view to growing and expanding its market share in the country.
In South Africa, the Canon brand is today synonymous with consistency, driven by the company’s passion, imagination, knowledge and importantly, loyalty to its customers. Canon SA offers a wide range of consumer imaging products and business solutions as well as a variety of large format printers.
Canon technologies are durable, innovative, intuitive, and feature smart and environmentally sustainable designs. Canon invests heavily in R & D and will continue to deliver new and technologically advanced products that cater for a variety of requirements.
In South Africa Canon will continue to support environmental sustainability by operating responsibly, minimizing the impact of its business on the environment and also encouraging a culture of environmental awareness and accountability amongst their staff, business associates and partners. Canon has also maintained its ISO 14001 environmental accreditation since 2007.
