OREANDA-NEWS. CN and Golf Canada announced that CN is adopting 15 local schools from the Saskatoon Public School Board to deliver the game of golf to local students.

Students from two of the schools celebrated with a one-day field trip event at the Holiday Park Golf Club, receiving lessons in putting, chipping and driving from head PGA of Canada professional, Brian Gabrush. In total, CN has adopted over 100 schools in various markets across the country since 2013.

"To get an entry level introduction to a sport that can be played for a lifetime is absolutely huge for our students and our school division," said Bruce Bradshaw, Superintendent of Education for the Saskatoon Public School Board. "Golf requires a certain level of etiquette and safety to be followed, and thanks to CN these kids will have an understanding of the sport which makes a whole lot of difference in being able to participate in the sport with people from the community."

This marks the second group of schools adopted by CN as part of the CN Future Links Community Tour, which consists of three community festivals each year, intended to share the health, wellness and safety values of golf. Saskatoon was this year's third tour stop, with Montreal and Sarnia receiving visits earlier in the year. Each Community Tour event engages community youth and festival attendees in various golf activities as well as rail safety tips from CN Police.

"CN is proud to support the future of the game and the health and well-being of our children by introducing the next generation of golfers to the game," said Claude Mongeau, CN President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that Golf Canada's vision to grow the sport aligns well with our corporate values to promote the health and wellness of children in communities across Canada. "Golf and its inherent values are good for our children and we are pleased to be bringing Canada's national junior golf program to communities across Canada."

CN has been a driving force in Canadian junior golf since becoming title sponsor CN Future Links in 2006.

"Saskatoon is an important part of CN's network across Canada. Just as CN plays a vital role transporting Saskatchewan products to markets, we also welcome the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the youth in Saskatoon by helping Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada grow junior golf through the CN Future Links program," said Mr. Mongeau.

Current CN Future Links programming includes the 'Learn to Play' program as well as mobile clinics, the Junior Skills Challenge, PGA Jr. League, Girls Club and the CN Future Links Championships. As part of its investment in Canadian junior golf, CN is also a proud supporter of Golf in Schools. New programming as part of the investment in youth golf will include CN Future Links School Adoption Program and CN Future Links Field Trip Program.