BOWEN ISLAND, B.C. — Fourteen Indigenous youth from the Musqueam and Squamish Nations came together August 31 for the second annual First Tee – British Columbia Indigenous Youth Summit; a day of golf, personal growth and community connection supported by First Tee – Canada’s apparel partner adidas.
Hosted at The TK Performance Centre at Bowen Island Golf Club, the summit welcomed youth with varying levels of experience, including some picking up a golf club for the first time. Participants took part in warm-ups and stations focused on putting, chipping and full-swing fundamentals, followed by a lunch discussion on First Tee’s life skills curriculum, including confidence, perseverance and respect.
Indigenous coaches Alex Webber of Musqueam Golf & Learning Academy and Lucas Smith, a First Tee assistant coach with SWINGS Indoor Golf in Squamish, led sessions and mentored participants. Webber discovered his passion for coaching through First Tee and is pursuing his PGA of Canada professional status. Smith was inspired to get involved through his daughters’ participation in the program.
In the afternoon, participants put their skills to use on the course at Bowen Island Golf Club before taking part in team activities, including the RBC Community Junior Golf 72’ Putt Challenge. The challenge was inspired by First Tee – Canada ambassador Nick Taylor’s historic putt to win the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.
Since naming First Tee – British Columbia a charitable beneficiary of the Nick Taylor Charity Classic in 2024, the tournament has raised more than $100,000 for youth programming across the province. As a thank you, participants at Bowen Island Golf Club signed a First Tee – British Columbia branded adidas shirt that was later presented to the Taylor family at this year’s tournament.
“The Indigenous Youth Summit represents so much of what First Tee – British Columbia strives to achieve through our programming,” said Scott Stefani, program manager with First Tee – British Columbia. “Bringing youth together to learn new skills, build relationships and gain confidence through golf creates experiences that extend far beyond the course. Having Indigenous leaders like Alex and Lucas involved makes those experiences even more meaningful, showing young people pathways to stay connected to the game. We’re grateful to our partners at adidas, Bowen Island Golf Club, Musqueam Nation and Squamish Nation for helping make these opportunities possible.”
The summit reflects First Tee – British Columbia’s commitment to creating welcoming opportunities for Indigenous youth to build confidence, strengthen community connections and discover what is possible through golf.
Interested in bringing First Tee – British Columbia programming to your community? Learn more at firstteebc.ca.