– Strict COVID-19 guidelines in effect

THE highly anticipated ‘Cancer Awareness Month’ fundraising golf tournament tees off today at 15:00hrs, with a number of top local ‘pros’ and ‘newbies’ set to unite in the fight against the disease.

The Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/NexGen began with CIMGRO Maraiko Bay Resort and Survival being the two main sponsors of the event.

But with the battle against Cancer being a united fight, corporate entities such as Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages Inc. (Busta), Assuria, MACORP and others immediately hopped onboard ahead of today’s event.

GGA president, Aleem Hussain, told Chronicle Sport on the eve of the competition, set for the Scouts Association Ground, that it was good to see the event attracting so much sponsorship and support, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This weekend, in support of Cancer Awareness, we will be hosting an event under strict Covid-19 guidelines. Our proceeds will go towards education and research of cancer”.

Players have the opportunity of winning up to $50,000, as well as spa, vouchers and trophies provided by Trophy Stall.

Hussain added that it was important to remember the main cause of the event, which is spreading awareness locally as a number of Guyanese have been affected heavily by cancer.

“Many Guyanese have suffered personal losses or fight a daily battle with cancer, especially women who are our mothers, sisters,  wives, and nurturers of our nation. We cannot simply sit back and let this disease win! Just like we cannot let Covid beat us”.

Hussain continued, “Every year since 2017, our golfing community and corporate supporters have been active in the fight against cancer, usually with a tournament to raise funds and awareness. Last year, Banks DIH and Citizens Bank were the main sponsors of the Golf charity event but this year, due to Covid guidelines, we had to modify the event.”

As a result, the format is as follows: participants can visit the Academy & Driving Range any day from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th (3-7pm to qualify) with the top 8 players from the women’s, men’s beginners and men’s professionals categories scheduled to battle for the top prize.

Players will each hit 10 balls and based on skill level, they will have different distances (50, 75 and 100 yards) to score points based on where in large circles the ball lands.

Trophy Stall owner, Ramesh Sunich, who provided the championship trophies, said he was happy to be a part of such a humanitarian event and one which raises the necessary awareness needed.

Owner of Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, Karan Mehra said “Vivaanta is a part of Guyana and we are pleased to support the fight against cancer and continue our support for golfing; something we started with Mr. Hussain a few years ago. We hope that many players participate and support  and also win a chance to experience our services at the spa.”

One of the few sports that can be played during Covid-19, once guidelines are followed, Hussain said today’s setting on the Greens were ideally makeshift for social distancing.

“We hope that members of both the local and expat communities will participate in the events since the Golf Academy & Driving Range is designed to conform to social distancing guidelines and it is for a cause that affects all of us,” Hussain ended. (Clifton Ross)

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