Golf Ontario reaches remote community of Marten Falls First Nation
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario pride is spreading across the province—most recently to the remote northern community of the Marten Falls First Nation. Marten Falls is a small Oji-Cree community of 300 people, located deep in the boreal forest north of Hearst.
Due to the remote geographic location, the children in this community do not have the opportunity to participate in recreational sports as most do across the province. The lack of local golf courses or access to proper equipment makes it an ongoing struggle to introduce children to the game.
Gabe Recke-Smith, a teacher at Henry Coaster Memorial School, has taken the initiative of introducing the children in his classroom to the game of golf.
“I started introducing golf informally because I genuinely believe in what the sport can offer these kids: focus, patience, self-regulation, a relationship with the outdoors, and a skill they can carry with them for the rest of their lives,” says Recke-Smith. “Golf connects naturally to the values already present in this community: respect for the land, quiet discipline, and perseverance.”
While the game fits well within the community, a lack of equipment has made it difficult for the children to fully learn and enjoy it. Recke-Smith shared with Golf Ontario that while he attempted to use his personal clubs in the classroom, they did not fit the students properly. He emphasized the need for appropriate equipment to support learning.
Inspired by the enthusiasm of the students and the work already taking place in the classroom, Golf Ontario was proud to support Henry Coaster Memorial School with a donation of junior golf equipment. The contribution provided students with an opportunity to continue exploring the game and developing their skills with proper equipment.
“Marten Falls is a small and remote community—its youth share the same curiosity, passion and potential as golfers across the province,” says Golf Ontario’s manager of Participation, Madelyn Grossi. “Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating communities that are often far removed from the traditional golf opportunities.”
What began as one teacher introducing a new activity to his students has grown into a meaningful connection to the game. Golf Ontario is honoured to play a small role in supporting that journey and highlighting the impact that golf can have in communities of all sizes across Ontario.
