THE Zimbabwe Open Golf Committee has set in motion an annual Wellness Fund, which will see them use the flagship tournament to fundraise for the country's fight against diseases.
This year, the FBC Zim Open, which kicked off on Sunday, is being used to raise awareness on cancer and mobilise funds for cancer treatment.
It is the first time that the premier golf event is going beyond the fairways to put the spotlight on health and wellness areas.
"Zim Open is Zimbabwe’s flagship golf tournament — a high-level sporting and social event bringing together top-tier athletes, corporate leaders and changemakers from across the country and region. The 2025 edition, scheduled for May 4 to 11 in Harare, will go beyond the fairways to lay the foundation for a national movement: The ZIM OPEN Wellness Fund," the Zim Open Committee said in a statement.
"In 2025, the Wellness Fund will launch with a focus on cancer awareness and treatment, supported by members of the Zim Open Committee, sponsors and partners. The initiative aims to raise funds and promote education around early detection, access to care and patient support. In the coming years, the fund will expand to spotlight other critical health and wellness areas — positioning Zim Open as more than just a golf tournament, but as a lasting platform for social impact.
"Zim Open is leading the 2025 edition with a strong commitment to cancer treatment and advocacy, reflecting its values and corporate social responsibility priorities. Funds raised will directly support cancer screening and early detection initiatives and treatment access for under-resourced patients, public education and awareness campaigns," the Zim Open Committee said.
The strategic objectives include launching and growing the ongoing annual ZIM OPEN Wellness Fund, raising significant funds for cancer treatment in disadvantaged communities, building public awareness around key health and wellness issues, as well as positioning partner brands as collaborative leaders in health, sport and social change.
The theme for this year's initiative is, A Legacy of Wellness: Swing with Purpose.
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"From saving lives through cancer support in 2025 and beyond, the ZIM OPEN Wellness Fund will tell a unified, evolving story — one that places human wellbeing at the heart of sport and sponsorship.
"We’re calling on organisations that prioritise wellbeing to be part of something bigger —not just to sponsor a tournament, but to help transform lives through a visible, trusted and growing platform," the Zim Open Committee said. The goal this year is to raise US$30 000 through the Wellness Fund initiative.
Individuals and corporates are invited to pledge US$50 for every eagle made during the four rounds of the main championship.
Last year, players recorded 59 eagles — approximately US$3 000 if similar numbers are hit.
Once-off donations of any amount are also accepted, the committee said.
The FBC Zim Open kicked off on Sunday with the pre-qualifier, while the opening ceremony was held yesterday.
Today and tomorrow will see the ProAm competitions before the main FBC Zim Open championship tees off on Thursday.
