MORE than 100 golfers competed in the Fiji Cancer Society’s Telecom Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, as it attracted its biggest turnout in five years, raising awareness and funds for men’s health and mental health, with 36 teams registered.
Fiji Cancer Society chief executive Belinda Chan said the strong turnout reflected growing community support for the society’s work and the importance of encouraging men to prioritise their health.
“We’re using golf as an avenue to raise awareness because of the physical activity involved, but more importantly, to encourage men to start normalising conversations about their health.”
She acknowledged long-time naming sponsor Telecom Fiji, as well as other corporate partners and participating teams, for helping the event grow over the past five years.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was among those who took part in the tournament.
Chan said his presence sent a strong message about the importance of supporting men’s health initiatives.
As part of the event, men were offered free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer through the urology team at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
She said money raised from the tournament would directly support the society’s patient assistance programme, which provides transport by land, sea and air, medication, mobility equipment, medical oxygen and other essential services for people living with cancer.
A portion of the proceeds will also help strengthen the society’s research programme and expand awareness initiatives, including support for a male cancer advocate in the Western Division.
There are also plans to attract international golfers.
