Zambia Sugar pumps 750 000 dollars in Golf

Zambia Sugar MD handsover a cheque to ZGU president

Zambia Sugar Plc has pumped a total of 750 000 dollars in the Zambia Open Golf Tournament for the period of the three years, the largest single sponsor in the history of the country, reports Owen Miyanza for Zambian Eye.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Aubrey Chibumba announced today, April 3, 2014 at a joint media briefing with Zambia Golf Union in Lusaka.

The 450 000 dollars goes in the organizing of the Tournament for three years while the 300, 000 dollars will be used for other logistics and branding.

This mean a sponsorship sum of 150,000 dollars will be used per annum and in return Zambia Sugar has been granted the title rights that will see the tournament being known as the ‘Zambia Sugar Open’ for the years 2014 to 2016.

“Zambia Sugar will spend an additional US$300,000 over the same period on logistics and branding,” announced Dr. Chibumba.“Our vision of sustainable concepts comes together in the fields of sport and business.

The Zambia Sugar PLC CEO explained that his company was proud to continue to be the title sponsors of one of the most respected Zambian sports events.

“And we are convinced that the Zambia Sugar Open powered by Zambia Sugar Plc will contribute positively to the development of the game of golf in Zambia,” he said.

The Zambia Golf Union and Lusaka Golf Club are both pleased to have Zambia Sugar’s support in promoting golf in Zambia.

“Zambia Sugar Plc is one of Zambia’s most respected companies and as a partner in golf, their brand, strength and continued commitment to conducting a world-class event has elevated the status and prestige of the Zambia Sugar Open,”  said Charles Mwanza who is the President of the Zambia Golf Union.

Mwanza explained that it has not been easy for the Union to get sponsorship for the Tournament saying the gesture by Zambia Sugar was a great relief.

“We thank them for helping to secure the event’s future for at least the next three years, and we look forward to working closely alongside them to develop the tournament.”

Zambia Open Organising Committee Chairman Robert Penney said the sponsoring of an international tournament does not detract from ensuring benefits accrue to local professionals or the development of the sport of golf for the youth of Zambia.

Penney said part of the funds raised to promote this international tournament will be used to grow golf for the youth in Zambia.

The Zambia Sugar Open 2014 will take place at the Lusaka Golf Club from 2nd to June 8, 2014. It is expected to host 144 players of which 25 will come from Zambia. Of these, there will be 17 professionals and 8 amateurs. The prize money will be R1,200,000 (approx. K720,000). There will also be 2 Pro-Ams that will precede the Zambia Sugar Open championships, on Tuesday the 3rd and Wednesday the 4th of June, respectively.

Once becoming title sponsor, Zambia Sugar Plc will work closely with the Zambia Golf Union and the Zambia Sugar Open Organising Committee to improve the tournament in a number of areas including, improving community development amongst the youth to nurture the next generation of Zambian golfers, enhancing the overall experience for fans and players and ensuring the tournament becomes a prominent stop on the Sunshine Tour.