ELMSFORD, N.Y. (April 18, 2024) – The MGA Foundation hosted a clinic for members of the GiGi’s Playhouse community to introduce them to the game of golf on Thursday evening at GOLFZON Social in Scarsdale, N.Y.
GiGi’s Playhouse is a national organization consisting of 59 locations that offer programs to participants who range from infants to adults with Down Syndrome. The Ardsley location sees participants from Westchester, Putnam & Rockland counties, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
Related: MGA Announces Plans for Adaptive Golf Programming | Photos
“We couldn’t have imagined a more welcoming kick-off to our adaptive golf programing this spring by working with an organization like GiGi’s Playhouse. Their facility offers various opportunities for new experiences, and we are proud to have opened their community to golf,” said Johanna Gavin, Director of the MGA Foundation.
The event on Thursday featured instruction and games for the participants. Volunteers and MGA Staff conducted small group instruction on the basics of golf. The participants played games on GOLFZON’s hitting bays and simulators. Six from GiGi’s Playhouse took part in the 2-hour clinic.
“We are incredibly grateful to the MGA for contacting us. Our families have genuinely benefited from being exposed to various activities in a positive, safe, and inclusive environment,” said Tracy Smith, Executive Director of GiGi’s Playhouse. “For some of our participants, golf was a completely new experience, but thanks to the class at GiGi’s Playhouse and the incredible instructors and volunteers, they learned the necessary skills for GOLFZON in a fun and informative way. They were thrilled to practice their swings, and GOLFZON provided us with a fantastic setting. Our participants have developed a newfound passion for golf, and they are eagerly awaiting more classes. We cannot express enough how much this opportunity has meant to our families. Thank you so much for your support, helping us to spread awareness and acceptance throughout our community.”
Thursday’s clinic was the second of a two-part series of golf activities with GiGi’s Playhouse. Earlier this year, the MGA announced plans to launch golf programs for the adaptive golf community. In the first year of this initiative, the MGA will conduct similar clinics with local groups throughout the Met Area to provide new opportunities through golf to children and adults. To learn more about the MGA’s adaptive golf programs, please reach out to Ryan Kayton at ryan.kayton@mgagolf.org .
