ANNIKA Foundation Blog

Health Matters

2012-01-11T09:30:00.003-05:00

Annika, President Bill Clinton, Goldie Hawn, Jillian Michaels and moreare meeting up to do some good next week.

The Health Matters Conference, hosted by the Clinton Foundation in IndianWells, California, opens up discussion about health and wellness matters. Howdo we achieve lifelong health and well-being? In what ways can we tackle thehealth issue in schools? These and more questions will be answered in a seriesof panel discussions.

As an advocate for children’s health and wellness, Annika will sitalongside Notah Begay III, Goldie Hawn and others at a panel called “BuildingHealthy Communities.” We’re excited to attend the inaugural event and hope tomake a difference in the health and wellness of our country’s kids and adults.

The conference will also feature a morning exercise with JillianMichaels! We should probably stretch beforehand…that’s going to be a heck of aworkout.

This conference is a key component of the Humana Challenge PGA Tourevent. The Clinton Foundation, along with Humana and the PGA Tour, have teamedup to raise awareness and charitable dollars through the Humana Challenge, atournament that challenges participating pros, amateurs, celebrities,volunteers, spectators and viewers across the country to take steps to improvetheir health. The tournament includes healthy food options, pedometers, afamily fit area and on-course wellness activities. More information about thisgreat event can be found at www.HumanaChallenge.com.

We’ll keep you posted on the day’s activities via Twitter at@ANNIKA_Fdn!

To Sweden!

2011-12-16T10:22:00.000-05:00

The ANNIKA Invitational, our award-winning junior golf tournament, is heading to Europe in 2012!

ANNIKA Invitational Europe will be played for the first time in Sweden in late summer of next year. The tournament will be held Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 2012 at Linkopings Golf Club in Annika’s native country of Sweden. The 54-hole stroke play competition, modeled after theANNIKA Invitational in the United States, will feature 78 of the best junior girl golfers fromEuropean countries. Annika will also host a number of activities, including skills clinics andeducational sessions for the participants.

"Expanding our ANNIKA Invitational series to Europe has been a dreamof mine,” said Annika. “I want to continue to inspire young girls tofocus on golf and being active while teaching them life lessons along theway. This will give my Foundation three world-class junior tournaments indifferent regions of the world. Bringing this tournament to my native country,Sweden, was an obvious choice.”

The three top finishers in ANNIKA Invitational Europe will win covetedberths to the ANNIKA Invitational in the United States. Started by the ANNIKA Foundation, the ANNIKA Invitational is an official American JuniorGolf Association (AJGA) tournament in Orlando, Fla. The AJGA is widely regardedas the best junior golf circuit in the world, and has awarded the ANNIKAInvitational in Orlando two national awards, including “Best Invitational” forgirls.

The ANNIKA Invitational began in partnership with the AJGA in the UnitedStates in 2009 and expanded to Mission Hills, China in 2011. We had a great time over there! Read about all three days of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills right here on our blog! Day 1 starts here.

The ANNIKA Cup, which invites younger top junior girls, willcontinue to be played each year immediately preceding or after the ANNIKAInvitational Europe at Annika’s childhood course, Bro Balsta Golf Club, nearStockholm. You can read more about the 2011 ANNIKA Cup here.

"We are thrilled that the ANNIKA Invitational Europe will bringgreater attention to Swedish girls' golf,” said Magnus Grankvist, head of thejunior golf at the Swedish Golf Federation. “We are proud to be linked with Annika and theFoundation partners, including the AJGA. It is wonderful that the topjuniors from Europe will have the opportunity to play in the AJGA version inthe United States.”

We're so excited to expand this opportunity to some of Europe's best junior players. Annika started the ANNIKA Foundation with a goal: to create great opportunities for junior golfers, nationally and globally, to pursue their dreams. With our earlier expansion to China and now to Sweden, it looks like we're right on track.

- AF

Annika Sorenstam: Another one for the record books.

2011-12-08T15:22:00.001-05:00

2001: Sets the record for lowest score ever recorded onthe LPGA with a blazing 59.

2003: Challenges the men, becoming first woman to playin a PGA Tour event since 1945. Inductedinto World Golf Hall of Fame.

2008: Steps away from golf with a record-shattering 89professional wins to her name, including 72 LPGA victories and 10 major championships.

2011: Sets the record for most Congressional leaders metin one day on Capitol Hill – 40.

Even outside of golf, she's still making history. Annika and the ANNIKA Foundation team spent the dayWednesday in Washington D.C., meeting with business and Congressional leadersto discuss the work of the ANNIKA Foundation and to ask them for their help.

The veteran legislative staffers and Congressmen/women said they hadnever witnessed such a great turnout to meet a legendary athlete on one of thebusiest days on the Hill this year.

After a great luncheon with about 30 business leaders,hosted by Susan Neely of the American Beverage Association and The Bockorny Group,we met with some distinguished leaders from both the House and Senate – both Republicanand Democrat – to discuss ways to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic.

Annika talks to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) about the health and wellness challenges faced by young kids today.

Ourmeetings were very productive and informative. Amid allthe political rhetoric in the media, sometimes it’s hard to see how dedicated, determinedand sincere our Congressional leaders truly are. We came away from the day very inspired tocontinue our work with their help.

Members of Congress continued to stop by between ongoing voting sessionsand each one got to spend valuable one-on-one time with Annikaand our team.

Annika and Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) discuss the importance of sports and physical activity for our youth.


Majority Leader Steny Hoyer gives Annika a history lesson. Possibly trading for a golf lesson?

It was an absolutely amazing day filled with great ideasand tremendous offers to help the Foundation and expand the work our mission aims to do. Many thanks to The Bockorny Group team for organizing our maiden voyage to CapitolHill for the Foundation! We had a great time.

No-blog-vember.

2011-12-02T11:54:00.001-05:00

November was such a whirlwind month here at the ANNIKA Foundation. Sorry for the lack of blog posts! The last few weeks have been pretty crazy, but in a good way. Let's just get caught up with a summary of what November was like around the ANNIKA Foundation office. We have so much great news we want to share with you!

On November 1st, our ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort event microsite launched! Thanks to Dashboard Digital who generously donated the website and their time to the ANNIKA Foundation. You can now visit the ANNIKA & Friends site at www.annikaandfriends.com to learn more about this exciting celebrity event coming up in May 2012. We're updating the website daily with new information about the event, our sponsors, confirmed celebrities and more.

Our staff attended National Philanthropy Day in Orlando on November 18th, complete with a fabulous breakfast and awards ceremony with some of the best fundraisers in town. It was fun to mingle with some very influential people in Central Florida. It was also nice to sit down for a hearty breakfast before a big day of work. Congrats to all the winners and to the event coordinators for a job well done. We look forward to next year's celebration.

Our offices were closed on November 24th and 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday, but you better believe we were still working......well, working out. Had to exercise off all that turkey. So worth it.

We learned this month that our great part-time intern, Jeremy, has accepted a position with Folds of Honor in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We wish him the best of luck upon his graduation from University of Central Florida graduate school and in his future career.

In the last few days of November, we prepared for Darius Rucker tickets to go on sale on December 1. Darius' live concert will be the big finale of ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, and proceeds from ticket sales will help the ANNIKA Foundation implement SPARK, a fantastic PE program for children, in NW Florida schools. We're excited to have Darius and even more excited that his concert will be helping children be healthy and active. Our ticket vendor, Xorbia, is now selling tickets here for the concert. Tickets are $59, which includes all fees. $59...That number sounds familiar. :)

And now December is officially here. Time seriously flies, doesn't it? We know it's technically a little late for Thanksgiving, but never too late to give thanks. To everyone who supports the ANNIKA Foundation, thank you. You are all making a difference in children's lives, and that is something for which we are truly grateful.

- AF Team

Make Granola like a Champion

2011-10-28T11:42:00.000-04:00

So I'm sitting at work and that familiar feeling is back...yep, it's hunger. My stomach is growling at me. A hungry stomach is really reliable...in that it always shows up at the WORST times.

Ugh, it's so loud. I hope no one is hearing this right now. Seriously, my stomach is rumbling like it wants to make the San Andreas Fault jealous. I need a snack that is healthy, one that gives me energy and really sticks to my ribs.

Annika's Maple Syrup Granola

1 cup oats
1 cup bran flakes
1.5 cup wheat germ
1 cup Flax seed
7 oz sliced almond
7 oz coconut
1 pinch salt
7 oz dried fruit (raisin, apricot)
2 cup maple syrup

Heat the oven to 395 F

Mix all the ingredients except maple syrup and dried fruit.

Drizzle the maple syrup and mix granola with your hands or a spatula.

Spread out on two baking sheets and roast for 10 min in the oven so it gets a little color. Let it cool.

Add the dried fruit and store in a dry place.

This is a fun thing to do with your kids, too! Some of my best memories as a little girl involved cooking and baking with my mom. Though my baked goods were usually misshapen and occasionally missing a cup of flour, I felt so accomplished when my creations came out of that oven. Try this healthy recipe with your kids this weekend and create some great memories while you're at it.

Justine Harris, Communications Manager, ANNIKA Foundation

A Letter from Annika

2011-10-07T10:12:00.000-04:00

Dear friends,

I am writing to ask you to join me in support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic this year.

This tournament, held October 17-23 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, is the last stop on the PGA Tour. The event supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in providing comfort, treatment and hope to kids everywhere.

We are working with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic to support the event and the mission of this great organization.

Purchase tickets today through the ANNIKA Foundation, and the proceeds will support the healthy, active kids we help here at the Foundation every day. Read more in our previous blog here.

A few of our supporters have said they will not be able to go, but would still like to donate. This is a great way to show your support, even if you live out of town or are unable to attend the tournament.

To purchase tickets through the ANNIKA Foundation, please visit our secure donation site or contact Justine Harris at (407) 385-1252 or by e-mail at justineh@annikafoundation.org. Your tickets will be mailed to you.

Thanks for supporting the ANNIKA Foundation and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic.

Sincerely,

A New York State of Mind

2011-10-04T12:22:00.002-04:00

President Don Ochsenreiter talks about his visit to Harlem with Annika on Monday.

First impressions may not always be right. My visit to Harlem this week proved that.

The Children’s Storefront is an independent, tuition-free school in Harlem serving preschool through 8^th grade students. This year, students and teachers at The Children’s Storefront are part of a school-wide wellness transformation project led by two California State University Chico professors.

Annika, her husband Mike and I, along with team leaders from SPARK and The First Tee, visited the school on Monday as part of this wellness project. What we found were passionate educators and 175 precious, curious kids.

Another Annika Sorenstam in the making?

Annika spoke to the kids about the importance of being active, eating right and the values that sports can teach you.

SPARK graciously donated its award-winning physical education program to the school. The First Tee did the same by donating its National School Program, which teaches kids golf skills, life skills and Nine Healthy Habits.

About to try out their fun new SPARK program!

The kids were very polite and well-mannered. They ate one of the healthiest lunches we’ve ever seen in a school and cleaned up their own plates when they were finished. The students liked having visitors interested in them and their great school.

These kids were from some of the poorest families in New York City, yet I have never seen students so spirited and happy.

Working together-don't drop the ball!

I remember driving through Harlem a few years ago. Before our visit to the Children's Storefront this week, I admit to having a spoiled impression of the city. All I could remember was the slums and outdoor basketball courts fenced in with barbed wire.

My impression of Harlem has changed.

Don Ochsenreiter, President, ANNIKA Foundation

Spend $10. Enjoy 1 Day. Support 2 Causes.

2011-09-29T10:15:00.010-04:00

Spend $10 to enjoy 1 exciting day of golf while supporting not one, but two charitable organizations- the ANNIKA Foundation and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

The ANNIKA Foundation has a great opportunity this year. We are participating in the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic Community Ticket Program. We are selling one-day tickets to the 2011 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic in Orlando for $10 each. 100% of the proceeds of the tickets sold by us will come right back to the ANNIKA Foundation.

The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic is the last stop on the PGA Tour each year. It will be held October 17-23, 2011 at Disney’s Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Now in its 41^st year, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic features PGA Tour players and celebrities in a pro-am tournament.

See a list of the current PGA players and celebrities attending this year here.

The ANNIKA Foundation is selling tickets online (payable by credit card) and over the phone. Credit card, cash or check will be accepted.

Online: Visit our secure giving site here.

Mail check to: 9685 Lake Nona Village Place, Suite 205, Orlando, FL 32827

Phone: (407) 385-1252

Tickets will be mailed to the address you provide. If you would like to purchase your tickets or pick them up in person at the ANNIKA Foundation offices, please make an appointment by calling Justine at (407) 385-1252 or e-mailing JustineH@annikafoundation.org. Our offices are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets will be on sale until October 19th, so get them now before it's too late.

We’re so excited to have this opportunity with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. When you buy one-day passes from the ANNIKA Foundation for you and your family, you’re supporting both our mission and the mission of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.You're not limited to only one day pass-you can get as many as you need for multiple family members and even multiple days of the tournament.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partner with individuals, organizations and media partners to help sick and injured kids in local communities.

We are partnering with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals because their mission coincides with ours. Bottom line, the health and wellness of the next generation is so important. They are our future leaders, workers and teachers.

Thanks for supporting the cause. Enjoy the 2011 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic!

No Stopping Now

2011-09-27T09:40:00.000-04:00

The ANNIKA Foundation's Jordan Hatch talks about her journey as a golfer and what made the biggest difference along the way.

Last week I had the opportunity to play in my first ever Suncoast Tour golf event in Orlando. I was both nervous and excited. The tournament held a field of professionals and amateurs that added up to about 27 girls. The 3-day tournament was held at on the Palmer Course at Reunion Resort, which was beautiful. Luckily I was able to get in a practice round the Sunday before so I wouldn’t have to play the course blind.

Growing up, my parents pushed me to get involved in many different sports, including basketball, softball, soccer, golf, tumbling, cheerleading, cross-country, track and volleyball. I enjoyed doing them all but one managed to stick with me all the way through college, and that was golf.

As a child, I learned the game in fun little clinics at Rockford Park District in northern Illinois. Every week during the summer, the clinics would consist of short game contests, range, rules and then playing. Being a very competitive person helped me—I would practice more than the other kids because I didn’t want to lose.

Coming from a background with little money, these clinics were all my parents could afford, so I made the best of it and enjoyed it. It’s where I really learned the game. I was also around golf a lot on the weekends as well because my dad and both of my brothers played. After I started golfing, Sunday mornings were great because then the boys would finally take me along.

I continued my golf career at Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford where I was captain of my team. After high school I went to a nearby junior college where I played on the men’s golf team and made it to the girl’s junior college national tournament. From there, I was recruited by another junior college in southern Illinois where I played my sophomore year of college. That year we made it to nationals again, where I was recruited yet again. Finally, I made my way down to Saint Leo University just north of Tampa where I completed my final two years of eligibility. There, my game flourished. I began to be more consistent and my lower rounds became more frequent than the higher ones. I finished my collegiate golf career at Saint Leo University and it brought me to where I am now playing on the Suncoast Tour as an amateur.

Throughout these years of golf, the most meaningful lessons I had received were the ones at Rockford Park District when I was young, as well as my different coaches along the way. I was not raised in an environment where I could afford professional lessons all through my life, but I think I did a pretty good job with what I had.

I may not be one of the top female golfers yet, but someday I will be. In my work at the ANNIKA Foundation this summer, I helped organize ANNIKA Junior Day and taught children from the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association and Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida about putting. This year’s event brought back a lot of memories of how the clinics were taught when I was younger. I hope and pray the kids stick with whatever they love and know every little bit matters. You don’t always need professional coaches to get where you want, but you do need dedication and passion for what you love.

I always dreamed about moving to Florida and playing as a professional. As I grew up, I didn’t know if it was going to happen. However, all the different paths I went down finally led me to where I wanted to go, and now I’m here doing what I love.

The Suncoast Tour is only the beginning for me but definitely a strong starting point. These tournaments are a stepping stone for me to see where I will place among great golfers. I entered this first tournament to see where I would rank, and to just get into the competitive mode again. I told myself going into it to just have fun and love the experience. I didn’t play well this first tournament, but now I know what I need to work on to get better and that’s what I’m going to do to get ready for the next one.

- Jordan Hatch, Projects Manager, ANNIKA Foundation

A Positive Future for Women’s Golf

2011-09-22T11:35:00.003-04:00

ANNIKA Foundation President Don Ochsenreiter is on the ground in Ireland for the 2011 Solheim Cup. He weighs in on the players, fans and potential this year's competition brings.

IRELAND, 4:35 p.m.—After seeing firsthand the talent of the 2011 Junior Solheim Cup players, I can safely say the future of women's golf is promising for both the USA and Europe.

Team USA players Gabby Then and Emma Talley

For two intense days, the best junior girls from the USA and Europe battled the wind, rain and cold at Knightsbrook Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, Co. Meath, Ireland. After 24 matches, the two teams ended up in a tie (12-12). However, because the USA won the previous Junior Solheim Cup two years ago, it retained its title as Junior Solheim Cup champion.

2011 Junior Solheim Cup reigning champions. Congrats, girls!

These juniors are great golfers and wonderful people. I’m certain we'll see many of these girls competing on a much larger stage in future Solheim Cups. In fact, 9 of this year’s 24 players have played on Junior Solheim Cup teams in the past, including Sophie Gustafson, Azahara Munoz, Caroline Headwall and Anna Nordqvist from Europe and Morgan Pressel, Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome and Brittany Lang from the US.

Annika is pictured with members of the victorious

USA junior team at the 2011 Solheim Cup Gala.

How about these fans?

Local schools in Ireland allowed their students come out to watch the event as a "field day" trip. Chants of "Europe! Europe!" rattled through the wind and rain from green to green.

They were just as excited to watch golf as they were to leave school!

The students brought their lunches in small bags and I noticed most of them were eating fruit as a snack. How refreshing! This is the kind of inspiration that drives our work at the ANNIKA Foundation. I was happy to see these energetic kids setting an example for their peers of healthy eating.

A little rainy out here, guys?

The Solheim Cup

Held every two years, The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten Solheim. Solheim is the founder of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which makes PING golf equipment. The Solheim Cup is the biggest and most highly coveted title in women’s professional golf team competition.

The 2011 Solheim Cup kicks off on Friday morning from Killeen Castle, Ireland. Annika is an assistant captain of the European team this year, and she's spending a lot of quality time on the team bus.

As reigning champions, the U.S. only needs 14 points and a tie to retain the Solheim Cup. Europe will need 14 1/2 points to win.

Good luck to Annika and everyone involved in the tournament this year. It’s sure to be an exciting one!

-Don Ochsenreiter, President, ANNIKA Foundation

Ready to celebrate this Saturday?

2011-09-20T10:48:00.001-04:00

If you plan to sit down this Saturday afternoon and flip through the channels on TV, expect one channel to be a little different. It may look a little darker than usual, and you may not be able to hear it very well.

That’s because this channel’s programming won’t be happening at all.

Kid-approved television powerhouse Nickelodeon is going dark this weekend as part of its annual Worldwide Day of Play on Saturday, September 23. As it has for the past seven years, Nick will cease programming from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET/PT as a signal to kids and families to get out and get active.

This year, the Worldwide Day of Play (WWDOP) will be the biggest celebration of active play in the initiative’s eight-year history.

Fifty partner organizations will join Nickelodeon, First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to host an entire day of physical activity at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. this Saturday. Kids and families will participate in games, activities and more as part of this initiative to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.

More than 25 of Nickelodeon’s most popular stars will be in D.C. to take part in WWDOP events, including cast members and characters from iCarly, Victorious, True Jackson, VP; Big Time Rush; SpongeBob SquarePants; Dora the Explorer and more.

Let’s be real, if hula hooping with Dora the Explorer doesn’t get kids excited, nothing will!

Nickelodeon has always had an amazing platform to connect with kids on a personal level. Its shows’ characters are relatable and witty. Visually, the channel is bright, colorful and optimistic. It’s great to see this channel use multimedia for good with this important initiative.

On the surface, Nickelodeon may seem to be setting a short-lived example. The channel is only shutting out the lights for three hours, with programming continuing as usual after that. However, those three hours have been powerful enough to evolve into an eight-year initiative. Childhood obesity and inactivity are problems that will obviously take more work than spending an afternoon on our feet. The Worldwide Day of Play campaign takes small, effective steps to combat this problem. After all, SpongeBob’s pineapple wasn’t built in a day.

While not all of us can be at the event in D.C., the day is designed for us to participate at home with our families and friends. We’re already planning what activities we’ll be doing here in Florida. Bring on the sunscreen!

How will you celebrate the Worldwide Day of Play?

An exciting final day at the ANNIKA Cup!

2011-09-15T11:36:00.005-04:00

Annika is back on her home turf this week to mark the 5th annual ANNIKA Cup in Sweden. Here, she describes the final day of the ANNIKA Cup at Bro Balsta Golf Club, where it all began.

SWEDEN, 5:30 p.m. -- Today was the final day of the 5th annual ANNIKA Cup and I must say, it was probably the most exciting. The teams played foursomes and match-play and the entire tournament was literally decided by the final group on the 18^th hole. Marina Hedlund from Northern Sweden chipped in for birdie to win her match one up and secure victory for the Red Team.

Marina clinches the win for the Red Team!

After the matches, we took team photos and conducted some media interviews.

A media interview with Jens Brandberg from Expressen.

After that, we ate together and recapped the past few days. I provided the girls with some parting words of wisdom, then surprised them by doing my "Morning Drive" call-in live with them in the room on speaker phone. They were able to say “Goooo Sweden,” which brought some smiles.

The girls and I call in to "Morning Drive" on the Golf Channel.

All in all, it was a very productive and fun couple of days. It seemed like the girls felt the camaraderie amongst the group and I hope they made some friends for life.

The girls left Bro Balsta full of energy and hopefully encouraged to keep working hard. With the European Solheim Cup next week, I hope this inspires some of these girls to one day represent Europe.

Goooo Sweden!

I have quite a few more photos from the ANNIKA Cup up on the ANNIKA Foundation Facebook page. Check them out here!

- Annika

Home Swede Home

2011-09-14T15:07:00.001-04:00

Annika is back on her home turf this week to mark the 5th annual ANNIKA Cup in Sweden. Here, she describes her day at Bro Balsta Golf Club, where it all began.

SWEDEN, 8:37 p.m. -- Greetings from Sweden. It is great to be back in my home town of Bro for a few days. We landed here at 9:00am this morning and had a pretty busy day. The 5th annual ANNIKA Cup got started at Bro Balsta Golf Club, which is where my sister and I learned to play. Every time I walk past the ponds that I used to dive in to retrieve balls, I get a chuckle. The members and club team are always so kind and my time here brings back countless memories.

I am lucky to work with some great girls at the ANNIKA Cup!

I started the ANNIKA Cup to give the top 12 junior girls in Sweden the chance to participate in a team-building Solheim Cup-type competition. We always try to incorporate some media tips, and of course, fitness and nutrition information.

Didn't have to jump in the pond for this one. :)

This morning, the two teams of six played a practice round and worked with coaches. Simultaneously, the Skandia Challenge took place, which was a nine-hole event for our main sponsor Skandia's customers and clients. Then we had the opening ceremony at 1:30 followed by an awards presentation and clinic for Skandia.


The ANNIKA Collection with Cutter & Buck outfitted the girls.

After that, I took the juniors to the very nice short game practice area and went over bunker shots. The girls' favorite drill was when we hit balls to my best friend and longtime ANNIKA Cup coach, Maria. I enjoy working with these young girls who are so impressionable and excited about the game. We followed these drills with a working session on the putting green in the cold rain. The girls were troopers! We had a great lasagna dinner together and called it a night.

Thanks to our talented photographer (my husband Mike) for taking this great shot. Heads up!

Callaway provided the ANNIKA Cup with great team bags.

I look forward to another great day with the girls tomorrow. I would like to give a special thanks to IMG Sweden and Bro Balsta for a great day. Enjoy the photos and memories we are making.

- Annika

Big Announcement!

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

The ANNIKA Foundation is excited to announce our biggest event yet...ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Think of playing golf on a pro-am team with your favorite celebrity and sitting down for the best food in Northwest Florida for dinner. Top that with a concert by a major performing artist, a golf clinic hosted by Annika and the most beautiful location you could possibly think of. Yeah, we’re going all out on this one.

photos courtesy of Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort (www.sandestin.com)

The inaugural ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will be held May 18-19, 2012. Annika’s celebrity friends and famous athletes will join her in a fabulous weekend filled with golf, social events and fine dining. Here’s the best part—kids in Northwest Florida and across the state will directly benefit from this event.

SPARK is the leading physical education program for children in schools. So far, the ANNIKA Foundation has helped grow SPARK’s message and mission of lifelong wellness to include more than 400 schools in Florida and Arkansas. Doing the math at home? That’s almost 370,000 kids. The ANNIKA Foundation wants to continue spreading that message, so all proceeds from ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort will go toward implementing SPARK in elementary schools in Northwest Florida and across the state.

Celebrities, famous athletes, great kids and fabulous food. Oh, and ANNIKA Wine. The only thing that could make this event more exciting…well…maybe puppies, but we’ll have to hold off on that for now. The two days of ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort will be packed with so many exciting events, we won’t know what to do with ourselves!

Soon, we’ll be announcing the major performing artist who will be headlining the concert. Look for this announcement and more updates on Twitter and Facebook in the coming weeks.

Check out the press release for ANNIKA & Friends at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort here.

Now, the question is…what celebrities and sports stars would you like to see in May?

Stay Healthy this Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-02T13:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Labor Day! Are you getting together with the family this weekend? Where there's family, there's always good food. Here are some tips we're keeping in mind this weekend to stay healthy while still enjoying the company (and the homemade goodies) of our loved ones.

Eating Healthy

1. Watch portions. It’s Labor Day weekend and you’re at home with the extended family. All three of your aunts each brought at least one pie, your brother-in-law made a huge batch of chicken wings, and your significant other has been outside grilling bratwurst for two straight days. Not to mention the chips, dips and cookies in between. Throw in a few hungry people and you have quite an army.

There may be lots of food, but don’t get overwhelmed. One easy way to control food intake is to grab a smaller plate. Sure, that fourth deviled egg may need to be sacrificed, but there’s still room on there for a bit of everything in moderate portions.

2. Load up on fruits and veggies: It's easy to snack on a few candies here, some chips there. But those little snacks can add up quickly. This Labor Day, try snacking on fruits and veggies instead. Need something sweet to get your mind off those pies lining the counter top? Check out a fun way to sweeten things up at your Labor Day celebration.

3. Good, old-fashioned H2O: Another way to feel healthier is to drink healthier. Your body is made of mostly water, why not give it a little H20 love? As you reach for that can of sugary soda, grab a bottle of water instead. It will keep you hydrated and give your body more natural energy. And because Labor Day is a great time to get outside and be active with your family, make sure to drink plenty of it to stay hydrated.

Staying Active

There are some great ways to get on your feet this Labor Day weekend, whether it’s doing something by yourself, with a friend or even with the whole family. We're excited for the long weekend to have some quality active time!

By yourself: It’s time to get off the couch and out of the house! Some great activities you can do by yourself are running, walking, riding your bike, or going for a swim in the pool. If you’re on your feet or your bike, challenge yourself by changing your elevation and terrain.

With a friend: Frisbee and catch are two great one-on-one games to play with one other person. Play a round of golf together, or maybe hit some balls at the range. If you’re a golfer and your friend is not, try teaching them the ropes. Good friends sometimes make great coaches!

With the family: Activities with your family usually end up making the best memories! Head to the park, take a walk together, or play soccer or kickball. There are lots of fun backyard activities for your Labor Day celebration, too! Try a game of Bags or the challenging Ladder Ball game.

Do you have any great Labor Day tips to stay healthy and active? Maybe you have a recipe or a funny family memory you would like to share. We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment right under this post.

Happy Labor Day Weekend from the ANNIKA Foundation Team

Exercise with your kids, change their lives.

2011-08-30T12:47:00.004-04:00

The Foundation's Justine Harris discusses the importance of setting an example for your children of a healthy, active lifestyle with her own special father/daughter experience.

-----

It’s amazing what you can do when you exercise with someone else.

In early 2010, my dad started getting in great shape. He began eating healthier and exercising almost every day. He ran 5K and 10K races and even participated in a triathlon at a lake near our house—and finished well!

That was the summer right before my senior year of college. I knew I needed to do more exercising—Ben & Jerry sure weren’t getting me anywhere. I had to start getting on my feet during the school year. My dad’s ambition started to rub off on me.

Sure, I had experience in exercising. I’m a great power walker. I know my way around an elliptical machine. But his idea for me? Running.

Yikes.

I was one of those kids who “ran” the whole mile in those Presidential fitness tests in grade school. And by “ran” I mean “walked when the teacher wasn’t looking.” Terrible, I know. I played a couple of sports, but only until 8^th grade. The most intense cardio I did in high school was at marching band practice. Read: not athletic.

As much as I questioned running as a regular workout, my dad came back with reasons why it works—and how it would help me both physically and mentally. He is living proof of that. I had to give it a try.

So I popped on my Pumas, shorts and t-shirt, went to the indoor track at my university, and brought lots of water.

Let’s just keep it short and say I failed miserably at that first run. Seriously, it was bad. I could maybe go a quarter of a mile at a time. Listening to my iPod helped a little, but I was still a mess. I am normally a confident person, but out there, I started to seriously doubt my abilities as a runner. To be honest, I was pretty sure I’d never be able to run a whole mile.

Then, my dad began exercising with me. I was living at school, about an hour from my hometown, so he made the drive over once a week. We’d run on the indoor track and always get Panera for dinner after. I would always feel that familiar tightening in my stomach after a half mile, but my dad would tell me to work through the pain. He’d keep running, so naturally, I had to try to keep up.

Week by week, I started running one mile at a time with him, then two, then eventually the whole 3.1 miles (5K) around the track. If my dad wasn’t running with me, I would have probably thrown in the towel and given in to the stomach knots. But I didn’t.

I started running four to five days per week on my own, in addition to our once-per-week father/daughter workouts. I began strengthening my muscles, running even longer distances and becoming faster. And those stomach knots disappeared. Since then, I have continued to run regularly and have competed in multiple 5K races. (For those keeping score out there, my dad can still beat me by a mile.)

I realized that having someone to exercise with, especially a parent, is so valuable. My parents have been my role models my whole life. They have influenced me positively, making it easy to follow their lead. The same goes for exercise. Staying healthy and active with your kids is really important, no matter how old they are. Lead them to a healthy, active lifestyle by leading your own. If you go outside and take a walk, take your kids with you. If you make fruits and veggies a part of your diet, they will too. And maybe, if you start running, they might just try to keep up.

Justine Harris, Projects Manager, ANNIKA Foundation

Day 3: The perfect end to a great tournament.

2011-08-28T14:56:00.001-04:00

ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills

DAY 3

Friday, August 26

Mission Hills, CHINA - The third and final day of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills was both fantastic and historic.

Each event during the final day of the ANNIKA Invitational was executed flawlessly by our first-class tournament partner, Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

Friday began with a meeting with the Mission Hills senior management team to discuss how to improve the tournament in future years and to brainstorm about two other possible events. That session was followed by a sound bite film session with Annika and the Mission Hills video team, as well as the tournament press conference, which was attended by more than 100 media and related parties.

Two hours of interviews followed with ESPN, Golf Digest from both Japan and Hong Kong, local television stations, regional golf associations and other golf print media.

Annika took a break to eat lunch near the 18^th green of the Olazabal course before heading out to the 18^th green of the Annika Course to greet the girls as they completed their final round.

Despite all the busy activities of the morning and early afternoon, Annika greeted and thanked the final seven groups of Asia's future stars as each completed play. She also witnessed Charlotte Thomas’ two-foot putt that clinched her victory.

The impressive awards ceremony stage was executed in the 15 minutes following play. Over 200 players, parents, dignitaries, media and golf fans stayed to watch. It was very special.

Then, as a fitting end to a historic week, Annika crowned the first-ever all-girls tournament champion of Asia, Charlotte Thomas of Singapore. 11-year-old Ru Qing Guan from China was runner-up.

Only Hurricane Irene put a damper (no pun intended) on this event from across the world – when we arrived in Hong Kong, we were informed Annika’s flight home through New York was cancelled. Of course she understood but she didn’t mind – this would give her an extra 15 hours to savor memories of this great event!

-Don Ochsenreiter, President, ANNIKA Foundation

For a complete event summary of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, please click here to head to our website.

Day 2: Annika's here!

2011-08-25T11:56:00.001-04:00

ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills

DAY 2

Thursday, August 25

Mission Hills, CHINA (11:00 p.m.) - We had a full day of activities on this second day of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills! Needless to say, we're ready for some serious sleep. Have to rest up for the final round tomorrow! Here's a look back at all the great things we did today at Mission Hills.

6:30 a.m. - After arriving at Mission Hills in grand style with an entourage fit for a queen – complete with a motorcade and large-scale welcoming party – Annika signed memorabilia for VIP guests and prepared for the day.

7:30 a.m. - Round 2 Begins on ANNIKA Course at Mission Hills

12:00 p.m. - Next up, we attended a wonderful luncheon for 30 key sponsors and VIP supporters of the event, followed by two business proposal meetings with the senior management team of Mission Hills on two new projects.

Annika at lunch with Tenniel Chu, Vice Chairman of Mission Hills (right) and other key sponsors.

2:00 p.m. - After a quick change of clothes, the Annika entourage boarded fancy golf carts and toured the ANNIKA course, the one on which our 70 talented juniors are competing for the ANNIKA Invitational title this week.

3:30 p.m. - Round 2 Finishes

4:00 p.m. - After Round 2 was in the books, Annika hosted a golf clinic for the players and various VIPs at the mountain-top teaching facility. It was great to see all of the young juniors volunteering to participate with Annika as she demonstrated the fundamentals of each golf shot.

Annika works with a player on fundamentals at Thursday's clinic.

7:45 p.m. - At the Players’ Banquet, the competitors got a treat during dinner. They all sat very quietly in awe as Annika participated live on the Golf Channel’s Morning Drive show – 7:45 am EST in the US, but 7:45 pm here in Guangdong, China. It’s an experience they won’t forget, and neither will we.

The final round is tomorrow, with plenty of activities on tap before Annika crowns the very first ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills champion. Pretty cool and exciting – not just for the kids, but for Annika, too.

-Don Ochsenreiter, President, ANNIKA Foundation

For a complete event summary of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, please click here to head to our website.

For live scoring of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, please click here.

Day 1: Next time, we're using a cart.

2011-08-24T10:46:00.002-04:00

ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills

DAY 1

Wednesday, August 24

Mission Hills, CHINA (10:00 p.m.) - When I travel, I always pack an extra shirt - just in case. Today I needed it.

After my morning tournament planning meetings with the Mission Hills team, I ventured out to the ANNIKA course to watch the 70 top Asian junior girls play round one of our new, inaugural event – the first-ever all girls event in Asia. Although I had heard the course is hilly, I decided I would walk it to get a good feel for how it was playing.

My two chaperones from Mission Hills did not think this was a good idea. They explained the competitors were allowed to use both a caddy and a cart due to the hilly terrain of the course.

Hole #1 at the Annika Course at Mission Hills

I arrived on the first tee and took a look. They were certainly right – how else does a 5,400 yard layout play to a slope of 136 from the tees the juniors were using? Eighteen up-and-down holes later and a 100% soaked shirt in 90+ degree weather with 90+ percent humidity told me the decision to use a caddy and cart was a good one.

Picture yourself in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains with lush tropical landscaping of South America and you’ve got the ANNIKA course. Actually, I think Annika must be related to Tom Fazio – there are neatly-designed bunkers everywhere with plenty of undulation on the greens. With the change of elevation and the challenge of the bunkers and other hazards strategically placed, I seriously doubted any of these juniors could break par, but five of them did today during round one.

Using my interpreter, I had an opportunity to talk with many of the players today. All of them were very polite and excited about this event. I gave a couple of them high-fives after both nearly made a hole-in-one on one of the six par 3 holes.


A player and her caddie before Round 1 at Mission Hills. (Where can we find one of those awesome hats?)

One final curious fact – out of the 70 girls competing this week, only 15 of them are playing in the 16-18 age division, compared with 55 girls who are 15 and younger. That just shows us how recent a phenomena junior girls’ golf is in Asia, and that it’s growing!

Annika arrives tomorrow morning to spend two full days with the girls, including a golf clinic, a fun dinner and possibly a live broadcast during their banquet to the Morning Drive show on the Golf Channel. The girls were excited today when they saw the ANNIKA Invitational logo on my shirt, so just imagine how excited they will be tomorrow when they see her in person!

-Don Ochsenreiter, President, ANNIKA Foundation

For a complete event summary of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, please click here to head to our website.

For live scoring of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, please click here.

On a Mission

2011-08-23T10:30:00.000-04:00

Greetings from beautiful China!

Foundation president Don Ochsenreiter is on the ground at the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, China's first-ever junior girls-only tournament. The top three winners of this tournament will come to the U.S. to compete in next year's ANNIKA Invitational in Orlando. These girls are some of the best junior golfers in Asia, so get ready for some serious competition.

Play begins tomorrow! Here at the ANNIKA Foundation, we couldn't be more excited. Each morning until the end of the week, we'll keep you up-to-date on each round and post exclusive photos of the tournament. There will also be to-the-minute updates on Twitter @ANNIKA_Fdn and fun quiz questions and facts about Mission Hills on our Facebook page.

For a complete event summary of the ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills, click here to head to our website.

Sioux Falls...vacation destination?

2011-08-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

In my 30 years and three million miles of business travel around the world, I had never been to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Before arriving there on Friday, I really didn’t have a good or bad perception of Sioux Falls…OK, maybe this…teepees and wagon trains? Coal-fired locomotives? Snow?

I traveled there to meet Annika and attend several Sanford Health events, including the 12th Annual Sanford Children's Gala. Needless to say, Annika and I had an absolutely amazing visit – both with Sanford Health (SH) and in Sioux Falls!

SH has quickly become one of the leading healthcare organizations in the US. Yes, the Sioux Falls metro area is populated with less than 200,000 people, but Sioux Falls-based SH serves 2 million people between Minneapolis and Denver.

We made this trek because Sanford Health is rapidly taking a leadership role in solving some big-time healthcare issues. Its passion for children’s health and wellness closely aligns with ours.


Mr. Sanford and the ANNIKA Foundation have much in common!

Denny Sanford, the 75 year-old philanthropist who made immense wealth in the banking and credit card industries, is the financial engine behind Sanford Health’s bold initiatives. Since 2007, Mr. Sanford has invested more than $800 million in gifts to support research to find a cure for both diabetes and breast cancer. Last Wednesday, SH announced it would spend $1 billion over the next five years to construct new research and medical facilities to find a cure for these diseases. In addition, Mr. Sanford announced a $100 million gift to construct a state-of-the-art breast cancer research center, named in honor of his late mother, Edith Sanford, who died of the disease when he was four years old.

Like the ANNIKA Foundation, Mr. Sanford is passionate about children’s health and wellness around the world. A few months ago, Annika began discussions with him about working together to teach kids and their families about preventative healthcare – encouraging them to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle through regular physical activity and great nutrition habits.

Annika with ESPN golf analyst and former US Open Champion Andy North.

ESPN golf analyst and former US Open champion Andy North chairs Sanford Health’s Children’s International Board. He invited Annika to serve on the Board and she gladly accepted. Today, SH has seven children’s clinics open or in the works, including new ones announced this week in Israel, Mexico and Ghana. The clinics are desperately needed in these underserved areas.

The Sanford Health facilities, doctors and professional staff were first-class and the gala was inspirational. Every aspect of our visit greatly exceeded our expectations. We hope to make a big announcement soon about how the ANNIKA Foundation and Sanford Health will partner to promote children’s health and wellness around the world!

My perception of Sioux Falls is quite different now.

- Don Ochsenreiter, President, ANNIKA Foundation

Welcome!

2011-08-19T13:38:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! Welcome to the ANNIKA Foundation Blog. We’re excited to start this new venture and share the mission of the Foundation in more ways than ever. You’ll be able to read inspirational stories of kids and their families, be in the know about events both in the U.S. and overseas, and get real-time updates on special Foundation announcements.

This blog is about you, too. Stories about healthy, active kids, information about what your school is doing to promote health and wellness–we want to hear it all! Post comments here, or if you’re really feeling Internet-savvy… also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

- AF