The 2011 Gary Player Invitational in Shanghai, China was a rousing success raising over $2 million to help benefit children who have been affected by AIDS throughout China.
“It was absolutely fantastic and I could not have dreamed of a better birthday present!,” said a very happy Gary Player.
“This was our fifth Gary Player Invitational event in China and every year is better than the last. The support we received from our sponsors and guests was incredible, especially during such difficult economic times. Knowing that the monies raised will make a real difference in the lives of children who have faced such hardship because of AIDS is truly gratifying. I can’t thank everyone involved enough and am looking forward to making next year’s tournament even more successful,” he added.
The GPI event began with a gala dinner and auction held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai on 31 October followed by a pro-am golf tournament at the Gary Player designed Shanghai Links Golf & Country Club on 1 November. Singing superstar Eason Chan, singer songwriter JJ Lin and actress and singer Ariel Lin headlined the evening entertainment.
“The support from everyone has simply blown us away,” said Marc Player, CEO of Black Knight International. “The event has become so much more than a charity golf tournament which is a testament to the commitment that Doug Jackson and his super team at Coca-Cola have made to this event,” he added
Perhaps the most visually memorable aspect of the gala dinner was the word “HOPE.” To emphasize the true mission of the event – helping children in need build a better future – the word HOPE was placed at the entrance of the ballroom. Upon arrival each guest was given a candle to light and place within the word. The result was a beautiful candle-lit beacon reinforcing the commitment to assist those who need it most.
The GPI concluded on 1 November with a pro-am golf tournament featuring Major champions Retief Goosen and Louis Oosthuizen, Chinese professional golfer Lian-Wei Zhang and tournament host Gary Player. Fun was had by all and Shanghai Links proved to be a good challenge.
About the Gary Player Invitational Global Series
The Gary Player Invitational Series, with events in the United Kingdom, United States, China and South Africa, is aimed at raising money for non-profit charitable organisations, whose mission is to provide quality education for disadvantaged and underprivileged children and strengthen impoverished communities plagued by disease and crime.
For over a decade, top professionals, all-star sportsmen, celebrities, and businessmen have come together for the annual Gary Player Invitationals in support of underprivileged children. For more information about our charity series, please visit www.garyplayerinvitational.com .
About Black Knight International
Black Knight International, the global holding company for all divisions of The Player Group, maintains a strong presence in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Gary Player’s penchant for wearing black attire on the golf course, coupled with his competitive style of play and courteous demeanour, earned him the name, “The Black Knight.” The recognizable Black Knight logo identifies all the companies of The Player Group, including the Gary Player®, Player® and Black Knight® brands.
Contact:
Marc Tudhope, Managing Director, Black Knight International
E: marc@garyplayer.co.za or T: +27 21 671 5159
Debra Barnes, Client Service Director, Black Knight International
E: debbie@garyplayer.co.za or T: +27 21 671 5159
Michael Vlismas Media
Michael Vlismas
E: michaelv@iafrica.com or T: +27 72 242 8399
Lali Stander
E: media1@vlismasmedia.co.za or T: +27 82 990 7150
Splash PR
Kerry Seymour
E: kerry@splashpr.co.za or T: +27 21 2790 9911 / +27 82 926 4711
