The First Tee UW to extend program to FE Warren AFB for children of military personnel

The First Tee University of Wyoming is offering free golf instruction combined with character education and life skills training to children of military personnel stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.  This program is being made possible through a two-year agreement with the Department of Defense and is part of an overall program that is being implemented at more than 120 bases throughout the country and overseas.

“The First Tee military affiliate program enhances the lives of so many young people in America,” said U.S. Senator John Barrasso, a member of the 2011 First Tee Congressional Host Committee.  “Wyoming is fortunate to have such a successful program in Laramie and it’s great to see it will be extended to the children of our military personnel in Cheyenne.  I look forward to supporting the First Tee University of Wyoming and participating first hand this summer.”

First Tee trained coaches, Randy Siltzer and Steve Cates of Cheyenne, are delivering the program to eligible youth ages 5-18, beginning July 12th, 2010. They are creating fun and safe learning environments that foster curiosity about the game of golf as well as provide links between golf skills and how the positive values of the game can be used at home, in school and in other areas of everyday life.

“The First Tee UW gratefully accepts this grant from The Department of Defense. We are so pleased to be offering The First Tee experience to youth at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Coach Siltzer and Coach Cates are excited and very enthusiastic about providing this wonderful youth development program,” stated First Tee UW Executive Director, Cebee Richardson.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience is the unique feature that separates The First Tee from many other junior golf programs and youth initiatives. The Life Skills Experience was formulated with the help of academic, coaching and golf experts. Within The Life Skills Experience, The First Tee has established Nine Core Values (Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, Judgment) that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf.

Fifty U.S.-based military installations began offering the program last fall, with 50 more beginning this spring. The overseas plan will involve 20 U.S. bases located in Cuba, Germany, Guam, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, South Korea and Spain.

Over 7,800 volunteers, board members and coaches are engaged in teaching and mentoring participants of The First Tee.  Independent research findings since 2003 outline longitudinal evidence of the effectiveness of The First Tee life skills programs, and indicate that participants demonstrate desirable qualities such as confidence, character, judgment and perseverance over time.

For more information about the program, please contact Cebee Richardson, Executive Director of The First Tee University of Wyoming at 307-742-3290 or firsttee@uwyo.edu.