Ft Wayne Times

The Lifetime Sports Academy concluded its annual program with a fun day and award ceremony at McMillen Park, attended by participants and their families. The event marked the culmination of a summer program that saw over 900 children develop skills in golf, tennis, and swimming. Since its inception, the academy has served more than 32,200 young participants.

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department provided certified coaching for group lessons aimed at boys and girls aged 7 to 18. The seven-week sessions focused on skill development across the three sports.

This year, the academy offered 1,980 golf lessons, 665 tennis lessons, and 560 swim lessons. Participants had the chance to earn new equipment such as tennis rackets and golf clubs. In 2024 alone, the academy awarded 33 sets of golf clubs and 15 tennis rackets. Since its founding in 1998, it has distributed over 2,209 tennis rackets and more than 1,518 sets of golf clubs to those who passed their skills tests.

“We’re proud to reach the twenty-sixth year for the Lifetime Sports Academy,” said Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel. He added: “Teaching the life-long sports of tennis, golf, and swimming at no cost is key to the mission that was started by Jerry Fox, Tom Jehl, and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation—and we couldn’t do it without the strong public-private partnership.”

McDaniel also highlighted the program's impact: “Over 32,200 youth have had the opportunity to participate in athletic activities that they may never have had the chance to try if not for this program. They come to McMillen Park, they have some fun, learn new skills and some even go on to play sports in high school and area youth leagues. It’s a phenomenal program for the community and for our department!”

Additionally, the Lifetime Sports Academy sponsors the First Tee National School Program in 34 Fort Wayne Community Elementary Schools for its tenth consecutive year this fall. This initiative promotes character development through golf thanks to a collaboration between Indiana PGA, Indiana Golf Foundation Inc., and Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation.

For further details about the Lifetime Sports Academy, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.