Win $50,000, Spa Treatments, Trophies as GGA joins fight against Cancer

A host of corporate sponsors, among whom are Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages, and CIMGRO Maraiko Bay Resort, have joined forces to promote the Guyana Golf Association’s “Play Golf Fight Cancer” event, to be held during this week at the Scouts Association of Guyana ground on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown.

The intention is twofold: to raise awareness of the game of golf, and funds for the fight against cancer. Lots of prizes (spa treatments, hampers, beverages) and trophies, along with a grand prize of $50,000 cash or GTT phone credit, will be up for grabs, as the event is designed for players of all levels to have fun and display their skills.
“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,” Aleem Hussain, president of the Guyana Golf Association, expressed.

“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 beginners’ and men professionals’ categories scheduled to battle for the top prize of $50,000 cash or GTT phone credit on Sunday 25th at 4 pm.
“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. This is a test of skill and ability to have fun, whilst supporting a great cause,” said Rudy Ramalingum, Director of the Nexgen Golf Academy.
“The top two finishers in each category will receive a trophy from Trophy Stall,” according to Businessman Ramesh Sunich.
Trophy Stall, with locations all over the country, has for many years been a strong supporter of all sports in Guyana, and owners Ramesh and Devi Sunich have come to love the sport of golf.
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.”
Assuria General, CIMGRO Maraiko Bay Golf Resort, AR Printery, Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, New Trend Auto, Ming’s Products and Services, Nexgen Global Realty, Guyana Beverages, Karibe Rice, MACORP and GTT are all strong supporters of both golf and the fight against cancer, and have each been an integral part of the growth of the game in recent years.
The Guyana Golf Association has, through sports, been active in the promotion of awareness of a variety of charitable events, and will continue to use golf as a means of improving the lives of Guyanese.
“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 with social distancing guidelines and (the event) is for a cause that affects all of us,” said Hussain.
Partnerships with the Scouts Association of Guyana and the Guyana Teachers Union has made the creation of a facility in the heart of Georgetown a reality, so that more people can access the game without having to purchase equipment to travel long distances.
With golf being a recognised CAPE subject, the GGA President plans to promote the sport to schools all over the country, hoping to have at least 3,000 players within the next few years and a long-time goal of fielding an Olympic team realised!
The contest is open to everyone who has played golf or wanted to try, and the Golf Academy would give everyone a free lesson and one-hour free play just for participating in the event.
Simply call 645-0944, or visit the Nexgen Golf Academy Facebook page, or stop by the facility located on Woolford Avenue, just minutes away from Marriott and Pegasus hotels.