The response to fund-raising efforts for Bahrain Mobility International (BMI) through a charity golf tournament has been overwhelming with more than BD55,000 having been pledged in sponsorship by a huge range of corporations and businesses.
The second annual Riffa Views Shaikh Faisal bin Hamad Al Khalifa Memorial Trophy will take place at His Majesty King Hamad's golf course in Safriya from tomorrow until Saturday.
The 'better ball' golf tournament will be held in memory of Shaikh Faisal who tragically died in a car accident two years ago and was a strong supporter of Bahrain Mobility International during his lifetime.
"We are very honoured to be involved once again in such a worthwhile event," said Richard Browning, CEO of Riffa Views. "Last year's tournament raised over BD40,000 and we are well past that figure this time."
BMI was established in 1979 and caters to the needs of the disabled in Bahrain.
The centre in Isa Town is run entirely on donations and offers training workshops and physical therapy facilities to its members. There is also a nursery attached to the centre which caters to children aged three to six years and prepares them to integrate into the community once they start school.
"BMI is hoping to build a complete recreational facility at our centre with this year's proceeds," explained liaison officer Dreena Rogers. "We would also like to be able to purchase further mobility equipment for our members and possibly even employ a full-time physiotherapist, something we have not been able to afford in the past."
"The management and staff of Riffa Views will be running the tournament at His Majesty's course and we are expecting a total of around 250 golfers to participate," said Phil Jones, the Riffa Views director of golf.
"Corporate sponsor pairings will play on days one and two with Riffa Views inviting their guests to compete on day 3. Teams of four golfers will play in two better ball pairings."
Companies wishing to find out more or those interested in entering a team can call Anita Ghavami on 36531310 or Dreena Rogers on 39615356 for more details.
Title sponsor: Riffa Views
Partner sponsors: Projects System Group, Batelco, ICAP
Hole sponsors: Well Flow International, IADC, Atkins, Bahrain Royal Flight, DeLeeuw, Aer Rianta, BGD Nass, Hempel Paints, Gulf Air, DHL Express, DHL Aviation, Bahrain Petroleum Company, Standard Chartered, Freshfields, Ministry of the Interior, Winton Capital, Bahrain International Circuit, AON, Hilti, Serco, Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait, Pan Gulf, Caltex, HSBC, Cebarco, Merrill Lynch, Eskan Bank, NCB Capital
Support sponsors: Bahrain Airport Services, EuroMotors, AXA Insurance, Bahrain Confidential, Bahrain This Month, Gulf Daily News, Vision Communications, Coca-Cola