On 25 March 2009, just a few weeks after the Desert Classic, Dubai will witness the second edition of “Tee Off Against Poverty!” a friendly golf tournament organized by the UAE branch of PlaNet Finance, an international non-governmental organization which aims to alleviate poverty worldwide through the development of microfinance. Sponsored by Gulf Business Machines, Crowne Plaza Dubai and Nescafe Gold the tournament will take place on the prestigious Majlis Course, courtesy Emirates Golf Club Dubai.
Following the success of last year, the second edition of “Tee Off Against Poverty!”, will star Manuel De Los Santos, a phenomenal rising golf star with 2.9 handicap, despite a disability: Manuel lost a leg in a traffic accident. In 2008 De Los Santos competed at the very top against able bodied golfers from around the world. Said to “redefine all the rules of the golf playing techniques”, Manuel De Los Santos is causing a furor in the golfing world both with his performance, spirit and ambition.
“Manuel is a living proof of our belief that success can be achieved against all odds”, said Claire Cabanel-Rey, Executive Director of PlaNet Finance UAE. “He embodies our values, as well as all the efforts, energy and dedication that PlaNet Finance is putting in its mission to fight poverty through the development of microfinance”.
Manuel De Los Santos will conduct a golf clinic for young golfers on 24. March at the Arabian Ranches and another one for participants in the tournament the following day.
PlaNet Finance is welcoming individual players and corporate teams from all of the UAE. Details about participation can be obtained from dubaigolfevent@planetfinance.org or Tel: +971 4 3681030.
About Micro Finance
Microfinance provides very poor families with very small loans (microcredit) to help them engage in productive activities or grow their tiny businesses. Over time, microfinance has come to include a broader range of services (credit, savings, insurance, etc.) as it became evident that the poor and the very poor who lack access to traditional formal financial institutions require a variety of financial products. A growing number of banks and businesses all over the world are becoming involved in microfinance as a viable and socially responsible business.
About PlaNet Finance
PlaNet Finance is an international non-governmental organization that aims to alleviate poverty worldwide through the development of microfinance. Over the past ten years and thanks to its dynamism and growing international network, PlaNet Finance has been working at providing people with the means to bring their own future.
Created in 2005, PlaNet Finance UAE contributes to the global mission of PlaNet Finance by raising funds to develop Microfinance programs in the Middle East region Asia and Africa. It works to build awareness about microfinance among political decision makers, socially responsible corporations, young graduates and the public.
With the help of its long term partners in the region PepsiCo, Damas and Gulf Holdings, PlaNet Finance UAE has initiated or funded microfinance projects in Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, and Yemen. Currently PlaNet Finance UAE is managing the set-up of the first microfinance program in Oman as well as the creation of an Arabic Curriculum in microfinance.
www.planetfinance.org.ae
