Pro golfers share life lessons to inspire youths
Shannon Tan and Lauren Coughlin talk about how they learned from the hurdles in their careers
A VISIT by professional golfers to inspire youths facing adversities was among a series of initiatives done on the sidelines of the HSBC Women’s World Championship (HWWC) by HSBC and social service agency Trybe.
During the event facilitated by HSBC and Trybe this week, Singapore and US golfers Shannon Tan and Lauren Coughlin met with seven youths at Trybe’s office in Tampines, presenting them with gift hampers. The golfers shared about the hurdles they faced during their golfing careers, and how they learned from these experiences. They also highlighted the importance of persistence in the face of adversity, as well as the significant role that community and family support can play in overcoming challenges.
Tan, who is Singapore’s top woman golfer, expressed her hope that their visit would encourage the youths to remain resilient in pursuing their goals. “As athletes, it’s important for us to use our platform to support causes that make a real difference in the community,” she added. Coughlin, currently ranked 15th in the world, concurred, saying that she was “grateful to be able to contribute, even in small ways, to the lives of these young people”.
Trybe said that the theme of resilience resonated with the youths. “Most of the youths shared that the activity helped them realise that different people have different potential, and that they need to discover and hone in on their own potential and talent,” it added.
The collaboration between HSBC and Trybe was aimed at supporting youths aged between 12 and 25 years old, particularly those from the out-of-home care sector (meaning those residing in or recently discharged from a children’s home, or under foster care).
To raise funds for Trybe, HSBC designed Play it Forward, a digital golf game on Facebook and Instagram in which the bank donates S$3 for every shot taken in the game. The bank will also offer HWWC-related project-based work to two youths in the agency’s Building Eco-Systems programme, which provides career development opportunities to young people.
HSBC said that the partnership with Trybe was in line with the bank’s aims of championing inclusivity and raising awareness for its beneficiaries. The bank previously set up visits between professional golfers and the Autism Resource Centre and SPD in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
“We recognise that not everyone has the privilege to keep “swinging” after landing in the rough, and for 17,000 at-risk youths in Singapore, societal stigma and lack of support makes it hard for them to overcome their challenges,” said the bank.
“Through our collaboration, we aim to empower these young individuals, helping them unlock opportunities for a brighter future.”
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