Microsoft Word – 08.07.18 CHAA Summer Golf FINAL
CAMDEN, N.J. – The Camden Health & Athletic Association (CHAA) on Wednesday celebrated the success of its first ever Summer Golf Academy with an awards ceremony recognizing 11 Camden children for their accomplishments on the greens.
The Summer Golf Academy introduced Camden children between the ages of 11 and 13 to the fundamentals of golf and to business and career opportunities associated with the game.
Participants in the free program practiced and developed their skills at the Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, N.J. and the Camden County Golf Academy in Pennsauken, N.J.
“The Golf Academy is a new and exciting program offered by the Camden Health and Athletic Association for the first time this summer,” said CHAA Chairwoman Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation. “We are so proud of our golfers and know they will achieve great things both on and off the course.”
The six-week program offered participants two-hour lessons, twice a week. Golf clubs and balls were provided for use at the two locations. Transportation was also provided. Each participant also received a CHAA Summer Golf Academy shirt.
The program was sponsored by The Michaels Organization, currently headquartered in Marlton, N.J. with plans to move their offices to the Camden Waterfront in an office tower that is currently under construction.
“As the nation’s leading developer of affordable housing, The Michaels Organization has a proud history of partnering with the communities we serve and supporting programs that benefit our youth,” said CHAA Board Member John O’Donnell, President of The Michaels Organization. “The game of golf equips children with a range of skills that will serve them well on the greens, in the classroom, and in the boardroom later in life.”
Instruction was provided by Fred Baxter, former head golf coach at Widener University and former NFL tight end who played for the New England Patriots, New York Jets and Chicago Bears during his 12-year career.
“The Camden Health & Athletic Association is grateful for the support from The Michaels Organization and for the lessons provided by Fred Baxter,” said CHAA Executive Director Al Dyer. “The more opportunities like this that we can offer Camden children the greater impact we can have on their future and the future of the city. “
About the Camden Health & Athletic Association
The Camden Health & Athletic Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding Camden’s youth sports programs and health initiatives in Camden. The Association launched in June 2016 with a $1 million initial investment by The Cooper Foundation of Cooper University Health Care, the Norcross Foundation and AmeriHealth New Jersey.