For the fifth year, the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) will be playing its part to support Cancer Awareness Month with its upcoming tournament set for October 29.
In 2016, president of the GGA/Nexgen Golf Academy, Aleem Hussain, engaged the Cancer Institute of Guyana and proposed that the sport of golf be a vehicle for awareness and fund-raising for cancer.
That year, with the help of Gord Ramkissoon and a few Canadian-Guyanese golfers, the goal was realized and it has become an annual activity, increasingly more successful in recent years as the number of players has increased.
According to a release, in keeping with its tradition, a tournament will be held this year on October 29 by the Nexgen Golf Academy for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
The release added that action will ‘tee’ off from 16:00hrs and up until 20:00hrs (in keeping with the COVID-19 curfew) with prizes and trophies up for grabs.
Persons can opt to take part in the competition or simply cheer the players on while enjoying the outdoors, with great food and beverages, with the proceeds going towards cancer awareness. (Reservations are preferred to maintain control of the number of participants.)
Hussain said it was important to ensure that golfers and corporate Guyana realize that giving back is necessary and thanked the companies and players who have always been a part of the initiative.
“Dr. Joaan Deo, Captain Chen, players and caddies from Lusignan and dozens of new players, including many expat families, have been a part of the drive to use golf for cancer awareness.”
He emphasized that it was because of their support that this has become an annual event and a success, in part owing to the staunch support of these major companies: Assuria General Insurance; Copa Airlines; Service Guyana HVAC; TMK2020 Inc; SUPERGRAPHICS; Splashmin’s Fun Park; Tristone Investments; Trophy Stall; Toolsie Persaud Ltd; Sunshine Snacks; Ram & Mc Rae; AR Printery; CS World Cargo & Logistics; the Shafura Hussain Foundation; Maraiko Bay; and New Trend Auto.
The release added that under the guidance of the academy, golf has become the fastest growing sport in the country with the support of the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, since it was introduced into the schools system in January 2020. It is estimated that more than 6000 students now have access to the sport which was once viewed as only for the elite.
Persons interested in learning more about golf, learning to play or participate in the Cancer Awareness event may call 645 0944, visit Nexgen Golf Academy on Facebook or Instagram or stop by the Academy on Woolford Avenue.
