Kim Swan Nurtures Junior Golfers At Dalton
MP Kim Swan is helping develop two talented youngsters from Dalton E. Tucker Primary School in Southampton as part of a junior golf initiative.
Swan, widely regarded as one of the island’s greatest golfers, has been providing free private coaching to ten-year-olds Capree Smith and Joel Trott since the summer.
He started the golf initiative at the school in May with a group of six, but Smith and Trott took up the invitation and continued throughout the summer.
“I’m deeply appreciative of the interest shown by the former acting principal, Ms Shanda Simmons, now deputy principal, who I kept informed of the students’ progress over the summer,” Swan said.
“In addition, both students have a supportive family and are making progress in learning the fundamentals of golf.
“I consider it my duty to give back to the community that lifted me up but witnessing these two students developing a love for golf is special and most gratifying to me.
“I owe much to both Port Royal Golf Course and Dalton E. Tucker Primary School, ironically both public entities, who shaped me during my formative years.
“I am following the example set by the late Walter King, Port Royal’s first golf professional, who was an inspiration for me and many others from the community near Port Royal.”
The Dalton E. Tucker golf team was recently allowed to walk alongside PGA Tour professionals and interact with community leaders during the PGA Tour Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course.
“Thank you to Danielle Carrera Baiunco, tournament director of the PGA Tour Butterfield Bermuda Championship, for not only allowing the Dalton E. Tucker Primary School golf team to look forward to this event over the past six months,” Swan said.
“What an experience for these young aspiring golfers to interact with world-class athletes and businessmen and women, both locally and internationally.
“It was gratifying to see the willingness of those playing in the tournament to make time to have conversations with the juniors, ask them questions and even offer them encouragement.”
Champion golfers Swan, Dwayne Pearman, Glenn Simmons, Cornell Bean, Darron Swan, Camiko Smith, Steven Lambert Sr, Brian Simmons and Greg Smith are former Dalton E. Tucker Primary School students.
Truly Awesome MP Swan! You love for the game, your love for Bermuda and your commitment to the next generation of golfers via the time, energy and professional coaching provided to this initiative at our former Dalton E. Tucker primary school is truly exemplary. Well done the good and faithful public servant. God Bless You