HUMBER VALLEY, N.L. — Eight First Tee participants proudly represented Team Canada at the 2026 Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International 4Ball Tournament at Humber Valley Resort on May 21, joining young golfers from around the world in a celebration of sport, inclusion and community.
The international satellite tournament brought together participants from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Competing in a six-hole, two-person scramble format, the Canadian team included four pairs of participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who have taken part in First Tee programming over the past three years, under the guidance of coaches Wayne, Rosie and Paige Allen and Taylor Cormier.
The day began with participants receiving their Team Canada uniforms from First Tee – Canada’s apparel partner adidas, before heading to the course. Throughout the tournament, teammates and coaches celebrated one another’s successes with high-fives and words of encouragement, creating an atmosphere that reflected the values of confidence, sportsmanship and respect fostered through First Tee programming.
For many families, the event represented a unique opportunity for their children to participate in an international sporting competition.
“Kids with disabilities don’t always get opportunities to be involved in a lot of sports tournaments,” said parent Jim Pink, whose son Jackson has participated in First Tee programming for four years. “Through golf, Jackson gets to enjoy the camaraderie, sportsmanship and cheering each other on. This tournament is one of a kind for us, and we look forward to it every year.”
Following the round, participants, families, coaches and supporters gathered at the Humber Valley Resort clubhouse for a dinner and reception, bringing the day to a memorable close.
For participant Joseph Tobin, 10, the experience was as much about friendship as it was about golf.
“My favourite part about golf is putting and the friends that I’ve made in the program,” he said. “My favourite part of the tournament today was when I made a big swing.”
The tournament marked the second time a group from Humber Valley has represented Canada at the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International 4Ball Tournament. Four participants competed in 2024, while this year’s team doubled in size, reflecting the continued growth of First Tee programming in the region.
The event was supported by Humber Valley Resort, First Tee – Atlantic, adidas, Kruger and local sponsors, whose contributions helped create an unforgettable experience for participants and their families.
While the tournament offered the chance to compete on an international stage, the lasting impact extended beyond the scorecard. For the eight participants representing Canada, it was an opportunity to build friendships, celebrate personal achievements and experience the game they love alongside a supportive community.
To learn more about how you can support youth development and life-enhancing opportunities through golf, visit firstteeatlantic.ca/get-involved.
