Children Get Lessons in Golf, Fitness at Event

Children from across the area got a golf lesson Saturday thanks to three groups.

Play Golf Native America Day activities were held at the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon. The event was sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Notah Begay III Foundation and the PGA of America.

“The Southern California PGA was proud to be involved with the PGA and the NB3 Foundation to bring the fun of golf to school age children from local middle schools and local Boys and Girls Clubs,” Assistant Executive Director of the Southern California PGA Nikki Gatch said in a news release. “The boys and girls had a great day of fun while enjoying an introduction to golf, physical fitness and the great lifestyle golf provides.”

Chidren from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians were joined at the event by youths from the surrounding communities and the Boys and Girls Club of Redlands.

The event provided free golf instruction for children, as well as getting the chance to learn about health and fitness activities. The event ended with a one-mile fitness walk.

The subject of fitness was highlighted in part because November is also National Diabetes Awareness Month. The subject of youth diabetes and obesity is one of the major causes supported by the Notan Begay III Foundation.

Begay, the only full-blooded Native American on the PGA Tour, sponsors activities such as the one Saturday across the country in an effort to help Native American children.

“At Morongo, we are committed to helping our young people lead active, healthy and productive lives, and that starts with encouraging children to exercise and make healthy choices,” Morongo Band of Mission Indians Tribal Chairman Robert Martin said in the release. “Athletes like Notah Begay, who inspire kids and help teach them the importance of fitness and nutrition, are putting our young people on the path to a healthier future.”

The foundation and PGA are planning further events and activities that will be targeting the Native American community, in an effort to fight childhood obesity and the spread of diabetes.

“The NB3 Foundation is grateful to the PGA of America for its support in helping to provide access and opportunities for Native American youth to participate in golf while also promoting the importance of their health and wellbeing,” said Executive Director of the Notah Begay III Foundation Crystal Echo Hawk in the release. “We hope through this important partnership and with partners such as the Morongo Tribe and it’s Tukwet Canyon Golf Course that we will be able to further create opportunities for Native American youth and communities to access and grow the game nationwide.”