Wednesday 3 August 2011

Singapore Classic to aid relief efforts

Singapore Classic to aid relief efforts

the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic will return for its second edition committing towards relief efforts following the tragedies in Japan earlier this year.

Dr Haruhisa Handa, Chairman of International Sport Promotion Society (ISPS), the event's title sponsor, said the organisers and the Asian Tour have agreed to donate US$100,000 from the tournament's prize fund of US$400,000 towards the Japanese plight following massive earthquakes and tsunamis which hit the northeast coast of the country.
The ISPS Handa Singapore Classic, won by South African Peter Karmis last year, will be staged once again at the Orchid Country Club where the stars from the region's established circuit will now shoot for a prize pot of US$300,000 and a priceless two-year winner's exemption on the Asian Tour.
"Following the disasters which struck Japan in March, we feel it is necessary to channel our efforts towards the rebuilding of the many communities who were severely affected," said Dr Handa, who is a Japanese philanthropist and businessman.
"Together with the Asian Tour, we believe we can contribute towards this worthy cause and we will seek other ways to raise financial aid for the people of Japan through the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic."
The ISPS Handa Singapore Classic, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Singapore PGA, enjoyed strong support from players and fans in its inaugural edition in 2010. But what made the event stand out from the rest was the fact that it placed equal importance to highlight and support worthy causes.
Last year, the event helped raise awareness for one of ISPS's main charitable recipients, the International Blind Golf Association, where blind golfers took part in a special event with Asian Tour players before the start of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic.
Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour, welcomed the return the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic.
He believes the tournament will also drive the growth of Singapore golf as a minimum of 20 spots will be allocated to the top Singapore professionals with a further four spots for leading Singapore amateur players.
Singapore's best, led by Mardan Mamat and Lam Chih Bing, will tee up alongside the top players from the rest of Asia.
"The ISPS Handa Singapore Classic was well received by the local communities here last year through the strong support from Corporate Singapore and golf fans. We are indebted to ISPS and Dr Handa for their outstanding support towards professional golf and the Asian Tour," said Han.
"But while the game continues to grow immensely through the Asian Tour's presence across the region, it is extremely important for us to extend our support for those in need. The tragedies which struck Japan moved the entire world and we will support the rebuilding efforts through the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic."
Singapore PGA President M. Murugiah said: "The Singaporean players are relishing the opportunity of teeing off against Asia's best and doing our part in the charity drive. The ISPS Handa Singapore Classic will provide a strong challenge to a minimum of 20 local players and I'm confident they will shine among the best from the Asian Tour."
Peter Goh, General Manager of Orchid Country Club, said: "On behalf of the Orchid Country Club, we are delighted to be the host venue of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic for the second year. It is an honour to welcome the Asian Tour players on our championship course and we are looking forward to another successful tournament."
As part of the organiser's efforts to bring the golfing experience closer to the community, the Asian Tour is currently staging a week-long road show at Suntec Convention Centre. The public can participate in various games and activities where there are attractive prizes and season passes to the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic to be won.
The ISPS Handa Singapore Classic was brokered by WSM Sponsorship, a full service sports marketing agency from the United Kingdom, and the leading independent promoter on the European Senior Tour.
Andrew White, the CEO, said of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic: "We are thrilled to be working with Asian Tour once again and are looking forward to this event being as successful as last year's event. The work the Asian Tour is doing to support the ISPS Handa Japan Relief Fund is admirable and will go a long way in supporting ISPS's efforts."

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