Scottsdale Sister Cities seeks applicants for golf exchange program
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Scottsdale Sister Cities Association is building a youth ambassador exchange around the game of golf — a sport Sister Cities officials contend is of vital importance to both the communities of Scottsdale and Killarney, Ireland.
Killarney and Scottsdale have been sister cities since 2020, according to a press release.
“Golf will be a universal language allowing each student to gain valuable global awareness,” Sandra Zally, SSCA’s president, said in a prepared statement.
Program partners — SSCA, Scottsdale high schools, and Killarney Town Twinning Association with support from Killarney Golf and Fishing Club —- have designed the student exchange to educate world-class ambassadors through golf. Student golfers will play three matches at local courses and stay in the homes of student hosts.
The Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, founded in 1863 and home to four Irish Opens, will host the student matches in Ireland.
Guidelines and applications, due March 1, are available HERE.
Youth ambassadors will have many opportunities for cultural excursions and to volunteer with a charitable organization while in each host city. Scottsdale students will experience an overnight in Dublin, Ireland, and travel around the Gap of Dunloe and the Dingle Peninsula, famous for scenic countryside, mountains, and castles.
When Killarney student golfers visit Scottsdale, the experience will include a visit to the Grand Canyon, introduction to Native American cultures and volunteering for Project C.U.R.E. Visits to local artisans and schools are also built into both itineraries.
High school student golfer applications now being accepted
SSCA is now accepting applications from Scottsdale high school student golfers who will travel to Killarney June 17-26, 2023. Killarney student golfers will visit Scottsdale from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4.
Guidelines and applications, due March 1, are available HERE.
A charity Irish Golf Scramble to be held May 12 at Silverado Golf Club will benefit the Student Golf Exchange and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire which organizes the Arizona Colleen and Rose programs.
“We welcome people of all ages and golf skill levels to join the fun at this inaugural event,” noted JoAnn Garner, chairperson of SSCA’s Killarney Committee. Foursomes, singles and sponsors can register beginning March 1.
