The 2023 Presidential Charity Golf Tournament held at Lilongwe Golf Club on Saturday raised K406 million through sponsorship and donations, surpassing its target by K6 million.
This was disclosed during the prize presentation ceremony of the golf tournament.
President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice President Saulos Chilima participated in the tournament.
Proceeds of the tournament will go towards supporting needy students in public universities and survivors of Cyclone Freddy.
In his remarks, Chakwera hailed the corporate world for supporting the initiative, saying the tournament was a success.
“When sons and daughters of the soil come out in such large numbers to give their fellow citizens hope that lights up their dark tunnel, Malawi wins. When local private sector players come out in such large numbers to sponsor this event and increase its capacity for impact, Malawi wins. When golfers of different political persuasions come out swinging in service to the country, Malawi wins,’’ Chakwera said.
Out of the K406 million, First Capital Bank (FCB) contributed K100 million as the main sponsor.
FCB Head of Marketing Twikale Chirwa appealed to other companies to support the initiative.
“We are committed to supporting the initiative and we will come back stronger next year,’’ he said.
Golf Union of Malawi president Gift Gondwe said the initiative received overwhelming response from the corporate world.
“This year’s event was a great success. We thank all the golfers and companies for contributing towards the good cause,” Gondwe said.
A Sawa Group sponsored team comprising Sheilla Chinkhandwe and Saira Chaudry emerged champions.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority 1 comprising Ulemu Luhanga and Edward Kauka came second whereas FCB 6 comprising Vinay Ganatra and Sunil Godambe finished third.
This year’s event was played under the theme ‘Swing to Serve’.
The tournament attracted 150 golfers.
