NAWIS and PLAWIS Kick Off Golf Awareness in Plateau with ‘She Swing’ Project Launch

(By WALBE OGAK)

A new chapter in the promotion of women's golf has begun in Plateau State following the launch of the maiden Plateau Women in Sports (PLAWIS) Golf Awareness Kitty by the National Association of Women in Sport (NAWIS) in collaboration with Plateau Women in Sports (PLAWIS).

The initiative, unveiled at the scenic Lamingo Golf Club in Jos, is aimed at encouraging more women and girls to embrace golf while promoting healthy living, inclusion and grassroots sports development.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the She Swing Project, an ambitious grassroots programme designed to identify, train and mentor young female golfers with the long-term goal of producing professionals capable of representing Plateau State and Nigeria on the international stage.

The ceremonial tee-off

marked the official commencement of the maiden Golf Awareness Kitty, drawing golfers, sports administrators, enthusiasts and stakeholders committed to advancing women's participation in sports.

Declaring the event open, the Plateau State Director of Sports described the initiative as a landmark achievement that would create greater opportunities for women in golf while contributing significantly to sports development across the state.

Speaking during the event, Coordinator of the PLAWIS Golf Section, Mrs. Lucy Pam, said the Awareness Kitty was conceived to break the long-held perception that golf is an elite sport reserved for a privileged few.

She maintained that every woman, regardless of age, profession or social background, should have the opportunity to play the game.

According to her, golf offers much more than competition, providing physical fitness, emotional wellness, stress relief and valuable social interaction that contribute to the overall well-being of women.

Pam explained that the She Swing Project would focus initially on discovering and mentoring talented girls from Jos North, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas, equipping them with the skills and exposure required to compete at national and international levels.

She commended sponsors, volunteers, participants and the management of Lamingo Golf Club for supporting the initiative, describing the overwhelming response as evidence of a growing commitment to women's sports development in Plateau State.

In his welcome address, Captain of Lamingo Golf Club, Mr. Bitrus Kaze, expressed appreciation to NAWIS and PLAWIS for choosing the club to host the maiden championship, describing the decision as an honour and a vote of confidence in the club's facilities.

To encourage wider participation, Kaze announced that the club waived its normal hosting charges and retained a highly subsidised tournament registration fee of ₦3,000, making the event more affordable for women interested in taking up the sport.

He also highlighted one of the club's unique attractions, describing Lamingo Golf Club as Nigeria's highest golf course, with its sixth hole situated approximately 1,312 metres above sea level, a feature he said gives the course national recognition and enormous tourism potential.

Representatives of the Chairperson of the NAWIS Plateau State Chapter, Professor Aisha Kersen, who was away in Abuja on national assignment following her inauguration into the Para-Athletics Federation, conveyed her appreciation to the management of Lamingo Golf Club, sponsors and supporters for ensuring the success of the maiden event.

They reiterated that NAWIS, established more than three decades ago, remains committed to promoting women's participation in sports, protecting young female athletes from exploitation and encouraging parents to support the sporting aspirations of the girl child through mentorship and advocacy.

Also speaking, Board of Trustees member of Rhino Golf Club and former Permanent Secretary in the Plateau State Ministry of Finance, Mr. Isaac Wadak, described the maiden Golf Awareness Kitty as a watershed moment for women's golf in Plateau.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would inspire more women and girls to embrace the sport while strengthening the state's reputation as a centre for golf development.

The event concluded with the ceremonial tee-off, symbolising the beginning of what organisers hope will become an annual platform for expanding women's WOMEN IN SPORTS: NAWIS, PLAWIS Launch Golf Awareness Kitty to Promote Women's Participation.