WINDSOR, N.S. — With a high demand for introductory golf opportunities across the Atlantic provinces, First Tee – Atlantic continues working to ensure youth have a chance to try the game.
Thanks to Windsor Pharmasave’s Jason Trider, the chapter inches closer to its goal, as his generous $3,500 donation through First Tee – Atlantic’s Adopt a School program helps launch the First Tee School Program at Windsor Elementary and Falmouth Elementary schools.
The Adopt a School program encourages local supporters to cover the cost of delivering First Tee programming at an elementary school. The First Tee School Program introduces students to golf in a familiar setting while building essential life skills and healthy habits through turnkey lesson plans.
Through Trider’s funding, both schools will receive the equipment, curriculum and support needed to fully integrate First Tee programming into their physical education classes.
Windsor and Falmouth Elementary’s physical education teacher Jackie Allen says the program is already making a meaningful impact on her students.
“I see the difference every day,” Allen said. “Students show stronger focus, improved self-esteem and meaningful social-emotional growth — skills that will help them on and off the golf course. Having someone like Jason step up is so meaningful to our schools. His generosity will enrich students’ lives through sport and give them the chance to explore golf’s challenges.”
Allen emphasized that opportunities like this are invaluable for students, particularly in communities where access to golf may otherwise be limited.
The Adopt a School program was created by First Tee – Atlantic to address growing demand from schools eager to deliver introductory golf programming but lacking the resources to do so.
To Steve Healy, development officer of First Tee – Atlantic, support from community champions is essential to expanding its reach.
“We created the Adopt a School program because we couldn’t keep up with demand from schools looking to offer First Tee in P.E. classes,” Healy said. “Without people like Jason stepping up to champion this type of programming for youth, we wouldn’t have nearly the same reach in schools. We hope his generosity will inspire others who love the game to do the same in their own communities.”
For Trider, the decision to give back stems from a lifelong connection to the game. His personal experiences with golf and the values it instilled were a driving force behind his support.
“I have a strong passion for the game of golf,” he said. “I was introduced to golf as a child and have many fond memories of heading to the course with my father — early mornings with dew still on the grass. My father grew up playing and he taught my brothers and me the fundamentals. My children have also learned to play and share my passion.”
Trider also highlighted the importance of reducing barriers to participation.
“I’m happy to support First Tee as it introduces golf to kids who may not otherwise discover it,” he said. “The financial barriers can be daunting. Golf teaches patience, honesty and integrity, as you’re often competing with yourself and striving to improve. It gave me confidence as a teenager, and I hope to ignite that same passion in others.”
Thanks to Trider’s community investment, young students in Windsor and Falmouth will have the opportunity to experience golf in an inclusive and supportive environment — one that could shape both their athletic and personal development for years to come.
To learn more or get involved, visit firstteeatlantic.ca/giving or contact Steve Healy or Kiley MacDonald
