Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-The Roman Catholic Church Masvingo Diocese successfully hosted a golf tournament on Saturday to raise money for an ablution block at St Mary’s church in ZIMRE Park.
The fundraising tournament which was held at Masvingo Golf Club and organised by St Peter and Paul Cathedral raised US$5, 500.
The ablution block is now nearing completion and proceeds from the tournament will go towards finalising the facility.
Masvingo Diocese Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa applauded participants for their commitment and spirit of fellowship, saying golf is a therapy that rejuvenates both the body and soul.
“A game of golf does a lot to one’s soul and self. You get good exercise and consultancy, golf is a therapy,” he said.
“Thank you for coming and for the benefits many of us have received through this coming together. As a church, we are always keen to ensure that people have a good time because in Roman Catholic theology, the purpose of life is happiness. We are grateful to the sponsors, golfers, Mr Kondongwe, and everyone who made this a success.”
The Guest of honour, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner Sternly Kondongwe who is also Director of Jadecon Engineering and Byword Motors, commended all golfers for their generosity and donated US$2,000 towards the initiative.
Fundraising committee chairperson Staywell Katuri said the event exceeded expectations with more than 20 individual prizes awarded and additional items auctioned on the day.
Shirts for participants were sponsored by Doczine and Coral Soft while St Peter and Paul Cathedral provided food for the golfers.
“We managed to raise approximately US$5,500. Coral Soft donated US$2,000, Commissioner Kondongwe gave US$2,000 and golfers raised US$1, 500,” Katuri said.
The tournament was played under the Individual Stableford format which focuses on personal performance rather than team competition.
Enock Phillip Gava of Hippo Valley Golf Club emerged champion, Roberto Murimoga and Cephas Ngwenya claimed second and third place respectively. The tournament also had junior participation with young golfer Emmanuel Masiya from Don Bosco Primary School impressing and receiving a prize.
Katuri emphasised that the funds will help restore dignity at the church by ensuring a proper ablution facility for congregants.
“The purpose of these funds is to help complete the ablution block which is under construction in order to restore human dignity at St Mary’s Cathedral,” he said.
The tournament ended on a celebratory note with organisers expressing hope that such initiatives will continue to strengthen community bonds and support development within the church.
