MA Motors win Poppy Day golf: Malawi VP Chilima took part
A team sponsored by MA Motors on Saturday emerged victorious during the day long Poppy Day golf tournament held at Lilongwe Golf Club’s (LGC) 18-hole golf course.
The competition, which attracted 16 teams sponsored by various companies and organisations was organized by Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and British High Commission to raise funds for the welfare of veteran soldiers, who fought during the Second World War (1939-1945).
A team from Tanzania People’s Defence Force was also amongst the participants.
Vice State President Saulos Chilima participated in the tournament under a team sponsored by MDF, which also had British High Commissioner Michael Nevin, LGC chairman Justin Mkandawire and Colonel Chikunkha Soko.
The Vice President played all the 18 holes, steering his team, MDF I to 135 stableford points.
MA Motors, comprising business captains Hemat Baghat, Dipak Gill, Thakor Sanjay and Mukesh Vashi won the tournament after accumulating 153 points.
On second position was MDF IV, an all ladies’ team composing of Mina Mkandawire, Soon-Boon Cho, Maria Cho and Regina Mwanza on 147 points. National Bank, which had Stallard Mpata, SP Cho, Stafford Mpoola and Shepherd Tembo came third.
Justin Mkandawire of MDF I hit the longest drive with Colonel Rex Kathewera from Zomba claiming the Nearest-the-pin.
Delivering his speech as guest of honour during the prize presentation, Chilima hailed all the participating golfers and sponsors for contributing towards the welfare of veteran soldiers.
“I was told the amount targeted to be raised from this tournament is K7.5 million but I am saying let’s raise K10 million. If there will be a short-fall, let us all join hands to raise the difference,” said
Chilima.
The Vice President urged MDF to consider holding the fundraising tournament more than once a year.
“I would suggest we do this more than once in a year because our war veterans need support on daily basis. They need food, shelter, clothing and so many other things,” he advised.
British High Commissioner Michael Nevin commended the strong relations existing between the MDF and British army.
“Exactly 100 years ago, British troops fought against Germany in Karonga and many soldiers from Malawi and Tanzania fought alongside the British soldiers. It is, therefore, befitting that we also have
representatives from the Tanzanian Defence Force at this occasion,” said Nevin.
Nevin commended MDF for its continued efforts to ensure world peace through its participation in peace keeping efforts in DRC, Ivory Coast and other parts of the world.
Deputy MDF Commander Lieutenant General Griffin Spoon Phiri hailed the Vice President for his full participation in the event.
He also commended the team of golfers from Tanzanian People’s Defence Force for accepting MDF’s invitation to take part in the tournament.
“We were also supposed to have representatives from the Zambian Defence Force but you all know what have befallen our brothers and sisters in Zambia,” said Phiri.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :