The Sime Darby Foundation has reinforced its steady commitment towards tackling breast cancer in Malaysia by continually supporting the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF). The foundation, which is the official charitable partner of the Sime Darby LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Malaysia golf tournament, presented fans with the opportunity to get up close to the stars of the LPGA tour at an event earlier this week on Monday aimed at raising awareness of the ongoing work done by the charity.
A make-shift putting green was also set up at the event whereby former World No. 1 Cristie Kerr, Spain’s Beatriz Recari, Shanshan Feng from China and up and coming English golfer, Charley Hull went head to head to raise funds for the charity. In addition, top local DJ Joanne Kam also hosted a special question and answer session in which the fans got to question the stars on the tournament and also life as professional golfers.
Cristie Kerr, whom already has her own charity working for the same cause called Birdies for Breast Cancer said, “Unfortunately cancer touches the lives of everyone at some stage and that only reaffirms the importance of the work undertaken by organizations such as CARIF in trying to find cures. The tournament does a fantastic job in raising awareness and funds for the battle against breast cancer in Malaysia, which is highly commendable and something I’m hugely supportive of.”
Regarding the partnership, the Chief Executive Prof. Dr Teo Soo-Hwang of CARIF said, “Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women in Malaysia and all over the world. The good news is that through research efforts, we now know more about breast cancer than we did before. But there is still more to be done and we need all the help we can get. I am very grateful to the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia tournament for once again being CARIF’s loyal supporter in fighting breast cancer.”
Established in the year 2000 as a non-profit organization, CARIF is Malaysia’s first independent cancer research laboratory devoted to cancer research nationwide, seeking out new ways to prevent, diagnose and ultimately treat the disease.
This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia has been raising funds in support of breast cancer research, after collecting over RM1.5 million from the past three years. Since October 2011, these funds have benefited more than 1,600 women with subsidized mammograms in addition to research to identify lifestyle factors and genes that might be causes of the disease.
The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Pink Saturday, whereby players and caddies would be sporting the colour pink will once again be a part of this year’s initiatives on Saturday’s tournament. Nett proceeds from the ticket sales of the tournament will be donated to CARIF and spectators are also encouraged to visit their booth to learn more about the charity’s work, breast cancer as well as to participate in interactive games.
The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia tournament starts this Thursday at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Spectators can expect world-class golf throughout the four-day event with confirmed participation from World No.1 Inbee Park and golfing superstars like Norway’s Suzann Pettersen, Japan’s Ai Miyazato, and Americans Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie.
Tickets will be on sale until the 13th of October 2013 and can be purchased at www.ticketpro.com.my, Ticketpro outlets or the TIcketpro hotline at +603 7880 7999.
