When an opportunity knocks one must take full advantage of that opportunity and that’s what Kristina Casillas has done.  The United States Golf Association (USGA) asked the LJGA, to provide a list of juniors that may qualify to participate in the 2006 World Scholar Athlete Games in Providence, Rhode Island, June 24 through July 2, 2006.  The LJGA knew who that individual should be, Kristina Cassillas.

The World Scholar Athlete Games brings together 2,000 junior golfers from 150 countries, and will feature a large number of sports as well as activities in the arts.  The scholarship will include all registration fees, room and board, and travel expenses.  The goals of the games are to; promote understanding, acceptance and friendship among youth; establish open, non-political, long-standing relationships among tomorrow’s world leaders; utilize sports and the arts as means of communication and working strategies as the participants pursue positions of leadership in government, education, and other professional fields.  In addition to each participant’s specific activity (as in Kristina’s case-golf) all attendees will hear world-renowned speakers, go through a leadership development seminar, and participate in a variety of other activities throughout the week.

The golf component of the games will be modeled after the Ryder Cup Tournament.  Participants will be teamed up by skill level.  They will have five days of golf matches, clinics, and instruction, with a total of 4-5 hours of golf daily.

Kristina had to submit a very complex criteria process to qualify to be picked.  She is one of only 20 California juniors to be selected.  Kristina has proven her worth in the community by assisting the LJGA in its 2006 After-School Program @ Leonard da Vinci School (K-8), as a current member.  In 2005 she assisted the William Land Park/Joe Serna Jr. Site last year and bonded with many of the younger female juniors as a member of The First Tee of Greater Sacramento.

Not only does Kristina assist the volunteers but provided the association with possible financial opportunities with The Elks-USA, #6 of Sacramento.  Her grandfather, Bob Jackson, is an active member of The Elks and will be working with the LJGA in the fall to secure some type of donation.  Her grand parents have been very instrumental in Kristina’s golf game.  You can find them at many local golf courses any given afternoon.

I’m extremely pleased to have Kristina represent the LJGA in Rohde Island this summer.

Ronald F. Jimenez, LJGA President