July 22, 2016 - Today marked the successful completion of the Lifetime Sports Academy’s 19th summer with more than 1,200 participants this year and a total of 25,950 participants over the last 19 years. Group lessons in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming were offered to boys and girls, ages 7 – 18. Lessons focused on skill development.

Each year, the Parks and Recreation Department provides certified coaching and highly trained professionals who direct lessons in swimming, tennis and golf. Offering instruction in three sports has been a successful formula throughout the years. The Lifetime Sport Academy has developed a solid reputation and attracts a huge number of kids each summer. 

This year, the following numbers of lessons were given: 2,400 golf lessons, 1,500 tennis lessons and 1,900 swim lessons. Participants have the opportunity to earn new tennis rackets, golf clubs, and more. Over 100 rackets and 45 sets of golf clubs were earned.

"It's great to see young people learn valuable skills that will last a lifetime," said Mayor Tom Henry. "We're fortunate to be part of a community committed to making a difference for future generations."

Since its beginning in 1998, Lifetime Sports Academy has awarded more than 1,880 tennis rackets and close to 1,295 sets of golf clubs to participants who passed their skills tests.

“We were happy to see attendance go up for the Lifetime Sports Academy this year, with a preference for golf lessons,” said Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll. “This signature program helps our youth develop self-esteem and a sense of belonging in a safe atmosphere, when these kinds of positive influences are more important than ever.”

The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Lifetime Sports Academy is sponsoring the First Tee National School Program in 34 Fort Wayne Community Elementary Schools for the third year this fall. The First Tee in-school golf program promotes character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf and is the result of a cooperative effort between the Indiana PGA, the Indiana Golf Foundation, Inc. and the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department.

For more information about the Lifetime Sports Academy, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or log on to www.fortwayneparks.org