Doha: Standard Chartered Bank recently hosted its annual gold tournament, which attracted 176 players at Doha Golf Club (DGC).
The event was aimed to raise funds for “Seeing is Believing”, Standard Chartered’s flagship project to restore sight to underprivileged people suffering from avoidable blindness around the world.
In previous years, the tournament and auction at DGC attracts a large number of corporate sponsorships each year with institutions like Al Fardan, Qatar Airways, Oryx Rotana Hotel, Conoco Philips, Milaha, Qatar Building Company and Midmac Contracting being major sponsors this year.
For the first time this year, Standard Chartered had two Liverpool FC legends, Jason McAteer and Gary Gillespie who competed in the event for a day of golf.
The auction memorabilia included Roger Federer’s autographed tennis racket, signed photos of rugby star Dan Carter, retired Formula One star Michael Schumacher and former golf world number Tiger Woods.
Also among the items was a signed Liverpool team 2012 jersey and autographed football towards the auction, donated by Liverpool FC Foundation.
The funds raised went to provide restorative eye surgery in cases of avoidable blindness such as cataract operations, training of eye care doctors, building training facilities and vision centres.
Charles Carlson, Chief Executive Officer for Standard Chartered Bank in Qatar said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our sponsors. The tournament has provided an opportunity to rally golfers and the community to raise funds for a common goal to help eradicate avoidable blindness and make a socio-economic difference to the community.”
He added: “Standard Chartered Bank will match every dollar that is raised. As a result of the generosity of our sponsors and after the Bank matching the funds, we will be able to restore the eyesight of nearly 2400 people.”
Carlson also paid tribute to DGC. He said: “I would also like to recognise the support of the Doha Golf Club who has provided us the course and facilities at no cost in order to host these tournaments each year. They have been outstanding in their support towards Seeing is Believing and Standard Chartered Bank.”
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