Organisers hope Savi golf can be an annual event

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 29): Akbar Said was crowned winner of the Gross category at the Sabah Association for the Vision Impaired (Savi) Fund Raising Golf Tournament held at the The Kinabalu Golf (KGC) course in Tanjung Aru over the weekend.

Akbar carded a two-under 68 to beat out Osmund David (76). Major Razari finished third on countback (OCB) against Khairol Kalimin (both at 77) followed by Iqmal Rahim (78).

Smith Ationg (67) topped the Open Nett category via OCB against Jonathan Isaac Chin. Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam (68) was third also on countback against PJ Tan.

Yahya Yusof won the Senior Nett title with a score of 68. Three golfers shot 69 and the tie was broken via OCB to finish in the order of Abdul Halikun, Justinus Langkab and Hermes Amir.

Joseph Roman (72) was the Super Senior Nett champion, winning on countback against Chong Sam It. Lucas Lo (75) and Julius Jipiu (85) completed the top four.

Julia Sergus shot a 69 to emerge as Ladies Nett champion Countbacks determined the next four positions as Angie Ng edged Ellysa Sarah OCB for second place (both at 70) while Dionysia Petrus pipped Mariani Decampo for fourth spot (both at 71).

Meanwhile, Savi president Sabrina Sitawin said the tournament set out to raise funds and to increase public awareness that, with the right support and opportunities, persons with visual impairments can live independently, be productive and maintain dignity.

She thanked those who supported the tournament and sponsors while expressing the hope that it will become an annual charity event.

“We were also honoured to have YB Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister I, to join the tournament as a participant thus adding prestige and significance to the event,” she added.

Established in August 2017, Savi is a charitable organisation dedicated to empowering persons with visual impairments through skills training, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and community integration.