Dubai based FOGS Golf Society donates big sum to the Seve foundation
The FOGS Golf Society, Dubai, has presented a cheque for Dh100,000 to the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, a non-profit organsation that primarily focuses its efforts on funding research projects on brain tumours.
The cheque was presented to Jose Maria Olazabal — a former Ryder Cup team-mate of Ballesteros — who is competing in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic by Jim Martin of the FOGS Golf Society at a simple ceremony held at the Emirates Golf Club.
One of Spain’s greatest internationally acclaimed sportsmen, Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2008 and a year later he established the foundation in partnership with Cancer Research UK to help others in his position.
The winner of 91 titles worldwide, including five majors and the 1992 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Ballesteros bravely fought his illness for over two years before succumbing to the disease in May 2011.
The foundation also aims to bring the world of golf to young people and to support the professional development of young talents who have no financial resources.
The FOGS (Friendly Overseas Golf Society), set up in the late nineties by a number of like-minded individuals who used to play at Nad Al Sheba Golf Club, is well known for making contributions to various charities, including the European Tour International Relief Golf Fund for the Tsunami Aid Appeal.
This year they have selected the Seve Ballesteros Foundation. “In our small way, we would like to contribute our bit to this noble cause and, hopefully, it will help raise public awareness about research projects that could help eradicate the disease,” said Martin.
“Over the years, we have hosted a number of FOGS invitational tournaments as well as other fund-raising events. The focus of these events has been to receive donations and funds, not only through the green fees, but also by auctions of gifts donated by kind individuals and companies, sponsorship and side competitions,” he added.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, lauded the FOGS gesture, saying: “Seve’s determination to help others through his foundation has been truly inspirational and it’s great to see that his legacy is being kept alive by donations like this one.
“He would have been very proud to see the support to his charity from fun-loving golfers in Dubai where he recorded an incredible victory in 1992.”
Image: Jose Maria Olazabal receiving a cheque for Dh100,000 from the FOGS team, consisting of Roy Stanbridge, Dean Cordon and Jim Martin, as Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, looks on at the Emirates Golf Club
