| World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam will address 50 participants from The First Tee network at the Walt Disney World Resort, Oct. 20-23, during the fifth annual Future Leaders Forum sponsored by The Toro Company and Disney. The event is designed to help students broaden leadership skills, prepare for college, and explore career disciplines within the golf industry. Annika, also the spokesperson for The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, will lead participants in an interactive session highlighting the importance of incorporating healthy choices into all areas of their lives. The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits is a framework created through a collaboration among The First Tee, ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people. “The First Tee is proud to have Annika as a part of this year’s event,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. “These participants will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to network and learn from some of the most talented professionals in golf and business, thanks to the generosity of The Toro Company and the Walt Disney World Resort. Together we are helping create the next generation of leaders.” “This is the first major event where we can really showcase what The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits is all about,” said Annika. “It will be fun to work with these great kids to put Nine Healthy Habits into action. It will be a fantastic event for them.” Selected students will also participate in “Disney’s Leadership Excellence: The Inside Track” that teaches the leadership strategies, techniques and behaviors of successful Walt Disney World executives. Additionally, the Forum connects students with industry leaders to learn about careers in tournament operations, golf course management, broadcast media, marketing and hospitality. The program includes presentations from Disney Institute, Toro, PGA of America, The Golf Channel, Marriott Golf and The Children’s Miracle Network, along with a behind-the-scenes look at a PGA TOUR tournament. “With Toro’s strong commitment to growing the game, this program has connected young leaders with professionals in the industry to better understand the business of golf and the role they play in ensuring the game’s future success,” said Mike Hoffman, chairman and CEO of The Toro Company. “This year’s class of participants are developing leaders in their communities, and we are excited to collaborate with The First Tee and Disney in this unique learning experience.” The application process included an essay on goals, career aspirations and post-high school plans; community and chapter involvement; and a letter of recommendation from a leader at the student’s chapter of The First Tee. Since 1998, The Toro Company has been a premier corporate partner and preferred supplier of golf course maintenance and irrigation equipment for The First Tee. Toro is also the official provider of turf and irrigation equipment for the Walt Disney World Resort. |
Sorenstam to headline Future Leaders Forum
World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam will address 50 participants from The First Tee network at the Walt Disney World Resort.