By Dan Palmer |
Basketball star Stephen Curry has provided his backing to launch a golf team at Howard University in Washington D.C.
The 31-year-old three-time NBA champion will support the university’s first National Collegiate Athletic Association Division One program in the sport over the next six years.
It comes after he met student and golfer Otis Ferguson IV, who told him that his bid to set-up a team had been unsuccessful.
Point guard Curry, who has spent his entire basketball career with Golden State Warriors and has been the NBA’s most valuable player twice, is himself a keen golfer.
He will aim to introduce and increase access to elite golf at a historically black college, with the hope that the first men’s and women’s Division One teams will be up-and-running by 2020-2021.
Curry is the co-founder of the Eat. Learn. Play foundation, which works with children in need in the United States.
The organization, alongside companies such as Under Armour and Callaway, will be called on to help with equipment and uniforms.
“Golf is a sport that has changed my life in ways that are less tangible, but just as impactful,” said Curry, who has won two basketball world titles with the United States.
“It’s a discipline that challenges your mental wherewithal from patience to focus, and is impossible to truly master, so when you hear about these passionate student athletes who have the talent but don’t have a fair shot at the game, it’s tough.
“I feel really honored to play a small role in the rich history of Howard University, and look forward to building their first men’s and women’s golf teams with them.”
Wayne A. I. Frederick, the University’s President, added: “Howard University is honoured to partner with NBA champion Stephen Curry to launch what is sure to become one of the best golf programs in the country.
“This program will expose the campus to a game with numerous benefits.Â
“Golf is unique because it can be played through various ages of life.
“Grandfathers can play with granddaughters.
“Expanding the competitive opportunities for student athletes, especially in arenas where they are underrepresented, is consistent with the university’s strategic plan.”
Republished with permission from insidethegames.biz.