For the third consecutive year, global trade enabler DP World, host venue Jumeirah Golf Estates and the European Tour will be supporting ‘Shanab’, a men’s health initiative by Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) to raise awareness of male cancers at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
Taking place on the Earth course at the iconic Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 17-20, the DP World Tour Championship is the culmination of the European Tour season and features the top 60 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings.
To run the campaign FOCP will be given a ‘majlis’ in the Championship Village, where doctors will conduct surveys and awareness sessions to educate visitors on men’s health issues related to testicular and prostate cancers.
The world-class sporting and social event includes family friendly activities like golf lessons, trick shot shows, live music, food and beverage outlets and of course the opportunity to watch the European Tour’s best golfers at work.
DP World Global Sustainability Director, Kathryn Wightman-Beaven, said: “This event provides us with a major platform to discuss issues of growing global and local significance. At DP World, we are committed to building social infrastructure, strategic community investment and partnering with organisations on issues of importance. We are pleased to be joining with FOCP once again.”
The initiative forms part of DP World’s ‘Our World, Our Future’ global sustainability programme, which is committed to building sustainability into every aspect of the business – from protecting the environment, investing in its people and ensuring the highest safety standards, to building a vibrant, secure and resilient society.
The ‘Birdies for Good’ campaign will be used again to raise funds for FOCP, with US$25 donated through the European Tour Players Foundation for every birdie, $50 for every eagle, and $500 for every albatross or hole in one made during the tournament.
Over US$50,000 was raised at the DP World Tour Championship last year for the official not-for-profit partners of the tournament, including FOCP.
Testicular cancer is the number one cancer in young men aged 15 to 37. Worldwide, there are over 48,000 new patients diagnosed each year, with almost 9,000 fatalities while around six cases in 10 of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older.
Yousuf Kazim, CEO of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: “As host venue of the DP World Tour Championship, we are fully committed to promoting health and well-being through sport. In the lead-up to the tournament, the UAE spotlight is on the game of golf and what better way to maximize it than through providing a platform for a worthwhile cause to raise awareness and educate a world of spectators on men’s health issues?”
The world’s finest golfers are not immune from diseases of this severe nature either. Englishman Matthew Southgate, who is currently ranked 48th in the Race to Dubai and in with a great chance of earning a place in this year’s DP World Tour Championship for the first time, overcame testicular cancer last year and is an inspirational role model for the initiative.
Nick Tarratt, Director of the European Tour – Dubai, is delighted FOCP has renewed its involvement with the event.
He said: “Raising funds for our partner charities and providing them with a space to raise awareness for their initiative is of significant importance to our tournament. We are very proud to have supported a number of campaigns since our inaugural event in 2009, and are incredibly happy to continue our partnership with Friends of Cancer Patients.”
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