By Dominic Scianna
Vince Juarez, Vice President of Operations for KemperSports, found it to be a smooth transition when speaking with Chicago Public School (CPS) liaisons David Rosengard (Executive Director of Sports Administration) and Mickey Pruitt (Director of Sports Administration) about a joint partnership in 2022.
“I picked up the phone one day, introduced myself to David and eventually met Mickey,” said Juarez. “I asked them both how we (KemperSports) could help the Chicago Public Schools and its students and that got the ball rolling.
“Golf gives young players a place to go, something to do, and develops friendships that teach lifelong lessons of honesty, etiquette, and teamwork.”
The initiative was to restore and sponsor inner-city youth golf programs and support Chicago Public League high school teams in the process. Brooks College Prep and Hyde Park High Schools were the beneficiaries of KemperSports’ efforts in year one. Washington High School soon followed suit in year two, along with SCORE! – CPS’ elementary school programming for students in grades five through eight – to introduce and expose inner-city youth to golf at an early age.
Now, the stage is set for potential expansion of golf initiatives with CPS as 2024 draws near.
“We were all in from the start,” Juarez noted about KemperSports’ involvement with CPS sports. “As a proud Chicago-based company, however we can help the Chicago Public Schools is a priority as we aim to grow the game of golf starting here in our backyard. We’ve done it with the high schools providing them with golf course access, instruction (at Harborside International on Chicago’s southside) and equipment. Whatever is needed we will certainly assist in doing it.”
As Juarez referenced, KemperSports was also instrumental in designating Harborside International Golf Center as the home course for Brooks, Hyde Park, and Washington, allowing student-athletes to practice and play for free in addition to serving as a clinic and instruction site.
“We obviously have been committed to growing the game of golf for some time. It is a company mission and what better way to do it than to start with CPS high schools and youth programming,” Juarez said. “If the youth are playing golf and they start early in their lives, they will continue on through high school and for most of their adulthood.”
Callaway Golf and Illinois International Port District (IIPD), which owns Harborside International, also supported the initiative and KemperSports’ vision to bring more visibility and resources to address the needs of CPL high school golf teams.
Both Callaway and the IIPD were on hand for a special CPS/KemperSports joint press conference last year at Harborside International announcing the partnership and initial sponsorship of the Brooks and Hyde Park teams. Chicago native and youth golf ambassador Roger Steele served as the event emcee and host.
“Golf has the ability to forge business partnerships and long-lasting friendships. Introducing it to the students of CPS can be something they can use their entire careers and their entire lives,” shared Juarez. “Golf will always be around, and we can promote the fact that golf is pretty cool too with the youth that makes it attractive.”
While the game of golf offers its fair share of excitement and challenge at courses throughout the Chicagoland area, KemperSports understands the true power of the game lies in the life lessons and values it teaches to anyone who is willing to give the sport a try, not to mention, the future career opportunities it presents to students.
“The golf industry is not just a club and a ball. It is made up of accountants, human resource specialists, cooks and chefs and marketing professionals and offers a wide variety of career opportunities,” acknowledged Juarez. “Even if you’re not a golf enthusiast but want to be involved in the game and the business of the sport, there’s an opportunity for you. That’s one of the biggest things that we (KemperSports) can talk to CPS students about to create lasting and impactful change.”
About KemperSports
KemperSports is a leading sports, entertainment and hospitality company that delivers operational excellence in property and experience management. Headquartered in Chicago with regional offices throughout the U.S., KemperSports manages more than 140 golf courses, private clubs, sports venues, and destination resorts nationwide. It has more golf properties named among the top 100 U.S. public and resort courses as rated by GOLF Magazine, Golf Digest and Golfweek than any other management company. For more information about KemperSports, visit www.kempersports.com.
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