Latest news with #FirstTee
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
The O'Sullivan Law Firm Commits $100,000 as Title Sponsor for First Tee
Denver, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - July 1, 2025) - The O'Sullivan Law Firm is proud to announce its role as Title Sponsor of First Tee - Colorado Rocky Mountains, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth through character education and life skills development using the game of golf. As part of this commitment, firm founder Scott O'Sullivan has pledged $100,000 over the next five years —a contribution of $20,000 per year to support the growth and impact of First Tee's programs across Colorado. In 2024, First Tee - Colorado Rocky Mountains reached over 12,000 young people in 10 counties, delivering curriculum-based programs that emphasize the organization's nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment. These values are taught through engaging golf instruction and life skills lessons, equipping participants with tools to succeed on and off the course. Paula Purifoy, CEO of First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, and Scott O'Sullivan, founder of The O'Sullivan Law Firm, at the annual First Tee luncheon where the title sponsorship was announced. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "Even before my time, we were serving about 200 kids on one golf course," said Paula Purifoy, CEO of First Tee - Colorado Rocky Mountains. "We've now expanded to 12,000 kids annually at 26 golf courses and more than 100 schools. What's really important—and what the secret is—is that about 8,500, or two-thirds of the kids we serve, are free and reduced-fee participants. Free to the schools and free to the families." Scott O'Sullivan has supported First Tee for more than a decade, including service on its board and providing an annual $10,000 college scholarships to outstanding participants. Scott O'Sullivan and Mateo Manzanares, the 2018 O'Sullivan Law Firm Scholarship recipient at the 2018 First Tee awards ceremony. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "Giving these scholarships is one of my most favorite things to do because it gives me hope," said O'Sullivan. "The core values of First Tee—such as Honesty, Integrity, and Perseverance—we see them in these students, and it gives me hope every single day." The O'Sullivan Law Firm's Title Sponsorship underscores its commitment to giving back and investing in the next generation of Colorado leaders through community-driven, inclusive programs. For more information about First Tee - Colorado Rocky Mountains, visit: The O'Sullivan Law Firm Logo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About The O'Sullivan Law Firm The O'Sullivan Law Firm specializes in personal injury cases, focusing on Vibrio Vulnificus contamination. With over two decades of experience, the firm is renowned for its relentless pursuit of justice and comprehensive legal support for victims nationwide. Scott O'Sullivan is a Colorado personal injury attorney who has over 25 years of experience. -end-
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Finding Balance: How First Tee Is Using Technology To Build Character On And Off The Course
One of the best things about playing golf is the chance to unplug – to step away from screens and into nature, where players can breathe in fresh air, socialize with peers and get some exercise. But as the sport's popularity grows, many golf courses are operating at or near capacity. Add in factors like weather and transportation, and it becomes clear: green grass golf isn't always within reach, especially for kids. That's why meeting kids on their turf – in schools, online, and at community centers – has long been central to First Tee's approach. It inspired the launch of the First Tee School Program and more recently, the First Tee app. While we believe time spent outdoors is time well spent, we also recognize that kids today need to build strong technology skills and learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. First Tee leaders Ben Jarvis, vice president of strategy and business enablement, and Ryan Graff, vice president of programs, regularly discuss both the opportunities and the challenges technology presents for young people, and for the adults supporting them. What parents should know about kids and apps 'When evaluating apps for your child, start with privacy and data protection,' Ben said. Look for apps with clear, transparent policies that limit data collection. All of this information is available in the app store. To see if an app is age appropriate, Ben recommends reading reviews from trusted sources like Common Sense Media and checking whether it offers parental control options – many kids' apps do. Parents can also research app developers to see if they have a strong track record and good reputation. Furthermore, there's the matter of in-app purchase: 'Check whether the app includes premium features that might lead to unexpected charges,' Ben said. Ultimately, determine whether new apps fit into your family's screen time philosophy. 'Consider whether an app educates, inspires creativity, meaningful connection or develops skills rather than just capturing time and attention,' he said. 'The First Tee app, for example, reinforces life skills and golf concepts through interactive activities.' Building digital skills – and character Technology skills are nonnegotiable, and today's kids need more than just familiarity with devices. 'Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate and analyze digital information critically, distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation,' Ben said. Exposing kids to technology in a healthy way can help ensure they understand how to protect personal information and navigate digital spaces safely. Equally important is helping kids develop healthy relationships with tech. 'Families are searching for how to find a balance when it comes to technology,' Ryan said. 'First Tee is impactful because it's more than golf. Kids and teens learn valuable life skills to navigate the course but also other contexts such as school and extracurricular activities. We explore the values that are inherent to the sport, like honesty, good judgment and overcoming challenges – all of which are important in life and online.' In addition, First Tee provides opportunities to help kids build social skills with coaches and their peers within class, so attending First Tee classes can be a support in developing this balance. In a world filled with technology, there are lots of lessons we can learn from golf: According to data from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 85% of parents believe character is a 'lost value' in society, and 93% agree that kids can learn life skills through sports. 'Our coaches are trained not just in golf, but in youth development,' Ryan said. 'That's what makes the experience so impactful.' At First Tee, technology isn't a replacement for these experiences; it's an enhancement. As Ben puts it, 'We're preparing kids for a world full of digital tools. But more importantly, we're helping them develop the character and confidence to use those tools with awareness, purpose and integrity.' Find a First Tee chapter near you.
Irish Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland footballing legend looking to master another sport
It's coming up to the 12-year anniversary of that goal, the strike that changed everything for Stephanie Zambra, and now post-retirement she is continuing to challenge herself but in another sport. Football will still always take precedence but next week is the culmination of a different journey where she will play in the KPMG Women's Irish Open Pro-Am. Golf used to be a passion for the 36-year-old, ever since the days when she played with her brother's eight iron in the makeshift golf course in their local estate in Shankill. And this summer she jumped at the opportunity to take part in Golf Ireland's First Tee initiative. 'When I was younger we were very lucky we had loads of green areas so whenever any sports were on we were out playing it,' said Zambra. 'Whenever the golf was on, we'd go out and my brother played a little bit when we were growing up, and he had a set of golf clubs and he always used to leave his eight iron in the hallway, so we used to always go out with that and a few golf balls. 'We actually made a little golf course down in our estate that had little holes in the ground. We had three holes that we used to play through so we used to play a bit outside, but I never had any lesson or knew what I was really doing. 'I was just kind of hitting the ball and hoping for the best. I always had a keen interest in trying to learn, but didn't get around to actually learning until I was retired from football because I was so busy.' Zambra played 58 times for the Republic of Ireland over a remarkable 15-year international career, while she also played club football in France, the United States, England and Italy. Her own personal highlight was representing her country while the famous Peamount United strike against Wexford Youths in October 2013 catapulted her into the limelight all across the globe. It led to her appearance at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and her goal finishing only second to James Rodriguez for the Puskás Award. Zambra ended up back in Ireland at the tail end of her career, spending a few seasons with Peamount United again before she finished things off at Shamrock Rovers. She retired last season but returned to the Hoops where she is a coach in Collie O'Neill's backroom team there, while she also helps out with the Ireland U-17s. Meanwhile, her home life has also continued apace where she and her husband, Dean, have their own business Champion Coaching. 'The FAI are doing a program called the Player-to-Coach pathway. There's myself, Aine O'Gorman and Rianna Jarrett doing it, so the idea is that we get experience in the underage setups and see how it works and how it runs, just to try and get into coaching really. 'I've been coaching now for a long time. I went to America years ago in my early 20s coaching in camps and ever since then I have had an interest in getting involved and coaching and we set up our own coaching company about seven years ago now. 'I go into schools and I coach after school programmes and we do camps, we do small group sessions with actual players who have ambitions to go and play at a higher level and we do girls' clinics so I'm coaching all the time. 'When I retired from playing, Collie asked me to come on board as a coach as well so I'm doing that too. It's very busy. I don't have any evenings free, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 'I love being involved. It's better to be involved than to completely cut myself off from it, having been involved for so long.' To continue with that theme, Zambra was delighted when the opportunity arose at Golf Ireland this summer. Having prior knowledge of the game and a natural competitive edge has certainly helped her take to the game. And her coach, Hazel Kavanagh, noticed the talent that was there right from the outset. 'Hazel would always compare different things to football,' said Zambra. 'When you're playing football, if you're taking a free kick, you usually plant your standing foot in the direction where you want it to go and it's the same with golf. 'When you're hitting the ball, you need to plant your hips, sometimes I'm probably pointing my hips, but not the club, so in terms of aiming she compares that a lot to football. 'I've been up with Hazel quite a bit. The first lesson I went to she said to me that I strike the ball quite well, which kind of gave me that little bit of enthusiasm then. The worst thing is if you go somewhere and you know you're terrible at it straight away. 'Hazel was quite complimentary of me and obviously gave me a few little tips and hints to kind of improve my drive and stuff like that and ever since then I've just said I want to get better at this and anytime I go out for a lesson try to take on board everything she says. 'Sometimes you forget it then when you go onto the course, the hardest thing is trying to remember to get the information that you're given. 'It's just so frustrating, that's the biggest thing I'll take from it because there'll be times where I do hit a really good shot and then the next shot might not be as good, so you've ruined a good shot. 'I'm trying to bring it all together and have good shots consistently, it's probably the hardest part.'
CBS News
25-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
First Tee introduces 28 kids with congenital heart defects to the game of golf
Kids with congenital heart defects take a swing at a new sport Kids with congenital heart defects take a swing at a new sport Kids with congenital heart defects take a swing at a new sport A group of kids who spend more time in the hospital than most are getting a much needed break. 28 young heart patients from Minnesota Children's and M Health Fairview got out at Highland National Golf course in St. Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday. For 11-year-old Luke Thiesen from Shakopee, this was a chance to take his mind off the hospital. "It's kind of stressful to constantly be thinking about it, like when we'll have the next surgery," said Thiesen. "It helps me think about something else." Spencer Timmel started "Scratch Golf Camp" for kids, like his son Charlie, who needed open heart surgery at just 6 days old. "Congenital heart defects are the number one birth defects," said Timmel. "Some of these kids have cardiovascular challenges with full contact sports, so golf is an amazing outlet for them." Timmel partnered with First Tee to bring this camp to the Twin Cities for the first time, and they saw a record turnout. "I'm not really into sports that much, so golf is actually one of the things that helps me do sports," said Charlie Timmel. The hope is that these kids don't just learn to play, but fall in love with this sport for life. To help, they were gifted they're own set of clubs. "I'm excited to get my own clubs because I'll probably go play golf with my dad at some places," said Thiesen. This camp is not only getting more kids playing golf, but it's connecting kids who share similar stories of strength. "Just to know that you're not the only kid that has it," said Thiesen. All of these kids are al given a free week of golf lessons after camp is over through First Tee.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
This NFL owner has donated $10 million to First Tee for youth programs
Blank Family Foundation has now donated more than $25 million to First Tee Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank has made a $10 million grant through his family foundation to First Tee, bringing the total of grants from Blank to more than $25 million to the national program that combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum for youth 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers worldwide. The First Tee impacts more than 3 million children and youth, according to the Ponte Vedra Beach-based organization, which was founded in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation. Blank, who also owns the PGA Tour Superstore, the TGL champions Atlanta Drive and is the founder of Home Depot, became involved with First Tee through a grant to First Tee-Metro Atlanta and has served as a National Trustee since 2011. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen the curriculum for teen members. 'Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that's no coincidence," Blank said in a statement. "It's a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways. The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives." PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement that the grant from the Blank Family Foundation was "transformative." "We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,' said Monahan, who is also the chairman of the First Tee Board of Governors. 'Arthur's vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future." The Blank Family Foundation made a $9.5 million grant to First Tee in 2020. Grant will help teens develop life skills The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee's efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models. First Tee chapters in PGA Tour Superstore markets, such as First Tee-North Florida (based at the Brentwood Golf Club within the urban core) will receive grants to support youth in developing life and golf skills. To date, grants have impacted 50 First Tee chapters across the country, a number that will grow as PGA TOUR Superstore's footprint continues to expand. The grant also will go to a five-week in-store leadership series with PGA Tour Superstore general managers to help teens uncover their strengths and personal values and explore potential career opportunities. The program was offered at 44 PGA TOUR Superstore locations in 2024 and plans to expand to 70 by 2029. Blank presented grant in Atlanta The grant also ensures that the First Tee's Leadership Summit, held each summer since 2021 at Blank's ranch in Emigrant, Montana, will continue. Each summer 40 First Tee teens participate in challenges such as whitewater rafting, ropes courses and horseback riding. The grant was formally presented to First Tee this week in Atlanta, where 48 First Tee teens learned best practices in how to lead a successful organization with visits to the PGA Tour Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
