MANAMA, BAHRAIN – 7 August 2016 – Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based Islamic retail bank, announced its continued support, for the ninth consecutive year, of the King Hamad Trophy Golf Championship which is organised by the Bahrain Golf Association.
The Championship, which will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa from 17 to 19 November at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa Views, is the highlight of the Kingdom’s golfing calendar, and one of the region’s most important sporting event.
Ithmaar Bank General Manager, Banking Group, Abdul Hakeem Al Mutawa, presented the Bank’s continuation, as a Gold Sponsor to Adel Al Fayyadh, the National Team Manager of the Bahrain Golf Association, member of the Supreme Organising Committee and Head of the Hospitality Committee of the Championship.
"As a pioneering Islamic retail Bank, we recognise the important role we must play in supporting the community in which we operate," said Al Mutawa. "Sporting events are an essential component of our society, and contribute directly towards building a happier, healthier community. They deserve all possible support, and we are pleased to be able to contribute,” he said.
"We are particularly pleased to note that the Bahrain Golf Association has been organising the Championship for the past eight seasons, and that this, the ninth consecutive season, seems poised to be another grand success,” said Al Mutawa. “Ithmaar Bank has been a sponsor of the inaugural event, and we’ve continued to support the Championship every year since,” he said.
"Bahrain is the first country in the GCC to embrace this sport,” said Al Fayyadh. “The Championship attracts many players from Bahrain and other countries in the Middle East and Asia, as well as the United Kingdom. This year alone, we are expecting about 100 professional and amateur players from a number of countries and trophy and cash prizes to be won," he said.
"The Championship also attracts a large number of spectators and golf enthusiasts from Bahrain and around the world,” said Al Fayyadh. “We are grateful to Ithmaar Bank for their valuable support throughout the years,” he said.
Meanwhile, the organising committee has stepped up its preparations to host the prestigious event. Chaired by Bahrain Golf Association's Vice-President, Ali Sager Al Noaimi, the organising Committee held various meetings to prepare for this year's championship. The Committee reviewed developments to provide accommodation and transportation, as well as training venues and a comprehensive schedule for the golfers during the tournament. Invitations are also being sent to associations under the umbrella of the Arab and Asian-Pacific Golf Federations.