The Prime Minister’s Charity Golf Classic (PMCGC) at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Gold Resort in Tobago raised close to $.4 million over the weekend.
In presenting the cheques to the winners afterwards, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who is the event’s patron, congratulated the organisers and described their work as a very worthy endeavour.
“Volunteerism is an important practice and the board members of this charity are volunteers. We want to thank them for all their efforts. They have given us an opportunity as citizens to reach out to those who are in need,” Rowley said.
“I am happy that the tournament was held in Tobago and I believe we can use golf as part of our tourism plan to attract visitors in the way we attracted them this weekend. This is another way we can realise the full potential of the economy.”
Rowley also presented cheques to several charity bodies in Tobago, including the Tobago School for the Deaf Speech and Language Impaired and Healing with Horses, who received $55,000 in funding.
The tournament, which is in its 21st year, featured more than 70 teams and attracted participants from within the region, North America and Europe. Local sporting heroes Brian Lara and Dwight Yorke also played.
It was first launched in 1997 and has since donated just under $6 million to various children’s homes, NGOs and individuals. Beneficiaries include the T&T Cancer Society, Autistic Society and the Tobago AIDS Society.
The theme of this year’s tournament was “Golfing for CP Mobility” and highlighted the needs of those who are affected by cerebral palsy.
The charity has a long history of support for this cause and was instrumental in helping to establish the Cerebral Palsy Society 15 years ago. It has, for many years, provided financial assistance for children seeking treatment abroad. The charity has also hosted several workshops facilitated by Miami-based, cerebral palsy specialist, Dr. Martin Carillo.