Abu Dhabi Invitational raises over half a million us dollars for charity
The Abu Dhabi Invitational, held on Sunday at Yas Links, not only produced a stunning spectacle of golf, it also raised in excess of US$500,000 for good causes.
Darren Fichardt claimed the individual professional title and the pairing of Thongchai Jaidee and former Argentina footballer Gabriel Batistuta scooped the team prize at the highly regarded Pro-Am but charity was the real winner at the star studded event, which also featured World No.1 Rory McIlroy.
“The money this tournament raises for charity is fantastic,” said Fichardt who claimed the individual title after an eight under par round of 64. “There are a lot of charities that need help out there in the world and we’re glad to be able to give something back. The huge support that this event gets with big players like Rory playing, sports celebrities like Dwight Yorke and Gabriel Batistuta and big businessmen, is breathtaking and if it helps raise money for good causes that’s wonderful.”
At the centre of the charitable efforts of the event was Official Charity, the Rashid Centre for the Disabled, a local organization providing quality education and therapy services to children with Special Needs. The Rashid Centre will receive significant funds from the event to continue to the event’s fabulous charitable legacy in the UAE.
Over US$400,000 was raised through a live and silent charity auction at the red carpet Gala Dinner that took place at the Yas Viceroy after play finished. Among the most popular lots, was a portrait painted by a resident ‘speed artist’ of two-time Major champion Sandy Lyle, to which the Scotsman added a once in a lifetime opportunity to play a round with him at Augusta prior to this year’s Masters Tournament. The fabulous prize fetched a winning bid of $115,000.
In addition, a quarter of the event’s US$500,000 prize fund, is to be awarded to the chosen charities of winner Fichardt and joint runners-up Thongchai Jaidee, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Ross McGowan via the charitable arm of The European Tour, the Tour Players Foundation.
European Tour Charity Executive David Park said: “The Abu Dhabi Invitational is a wonderful event for the players to play but also for the work it does for charities both in the UAE, supporting the Rashid Centre for the Disabled and also internationally with its support of the Tour Players Foundation.
“We’re very pleased that the event was such a success from a charitable perspective and the amount raised is fantastic. We look forward to being involved in the event again in the future.”
The Abu Dhabi Invitational is supported by Host Partner, Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Founders, Al Naboodah and Farooq Investments; Premium Partners Bentley, Ilyas& Mustafa Galadari Group, GEMS Education, International Petroleum Investment Company; Official Partners Luke Sport, Yas Links, Invest Africa, Hublot, Yas Viceroy; Support Partners San Pellegrino, Roberto Coin, Links Insurance Brokers, Golf Gamebook and Titleist; Media Partners Sport 360, Worldwide Golf, Golfing World and Event Partners IMG and The European Tour.
Photo Caption: Tournament hosts Abdullah Al Naboodah (l) and Mohammed Farooq (r) with Ahmad Hashim Khoory, one of the Founders of the Rashid Centre (middle)
