FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation wrapped up the 2026 Lifetime Sports Academy Friday at McMillen Park with a day of fun, evaluation and awards of free golf and tennis equipment to participants who pass skills and rules tests.
The following was released:
More than 900 youth in 2026 and 34,145 since its inception developed skills in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming. Group lessons were offered to boys and girls, ages 7 to 17 for seven weeks in June and July. Lessons focused on skill development.
Each year, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department provides certified coaching and highly trained professionals who direct lessons in swimming, tennis and golf. Offering instruction in three sports has been a successful formula throughout the years.
In 2026, the following lessons were given: 2,176 tennis lessons, 2,057 golf lessons and 1,014 swimming lessons. Also, this year 43 tennis rackets and 35 sets of golf clubs were earned by youth. Since its beginning in 1998, Lifetime Sports Academy has awarded more than 2,319 tennis rackets and 1609 sets of golf clubs to participants who passed the skills tests.
“Since its founding by Jerry Fox, Tom Jehl and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation in 1998, the Lifetime Sports Academy has remained true to its mission of introducing young people to the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming at no cost to families,” said Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel. “The success of this program is only possible because of the incredible partnership between our public and private supporters, dedicated instructors, volunteers and community organizations”. He continued, “together, we’ve given more than 34,000 young people the opportunity to discover a new sport, build confidence and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. For many participants, this is their first opportunity to step onto a golf course, tennis court or into a swimming pool for organized instruction. Some go on to compete in youth leagues or high school athletics, while others simply gain the skills and confidence to enjoy these activities with family and friends for years to come. During the seven-week Academy, advanced tennis players can qualify for league play and the Ace Club, while golfers who have earned a Player’s Pass can continue building their skills after the program through complimentary play at Mad Anthony III’s Golf Course and advancement into the Par Club, Birdie Club and Eagle Club. These opportunities encourage participants to continue developing their abilities long after their first lesson. That’s the lasting impact of the Lifetime Sports Academy.”
The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department’s Lifetime Sports Academy is also sponsoring the First Tee National School Program in 34 Fort Wayne Community Elementary Schools for the 12th year this fall. The First Tee in-school golf program promotes character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf and is the result of a cooperative effort between the Indiana PGA, the Indiana Golf Foundation, Inc. and Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation.
For more information about the Lifetime Sports Academy, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org
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