Five envoys to play in UN golf tourney

JAKARTA (JP): Five ambassadors have confirmed their participation in the 51st United Nations Anniversary Golf Tournament at the Matoa Golf Course, South Jakarta, on Oct. 30.

Tommy Anwar, chairman of the organizing committee, told a press conference yesterday that Ambassador of Bangladesh Abdul Momen Choudhury, Ambassador of India Sudhir Tukaram Devare, Ambassador of Japan Taizo Watanabe, Ambassador of South Korea Co Kyu-il and Ambassador of the United Kingdom Graham S. Burton, all members of the 29-strong Jakarta Ambassadors Golf Association, will take part in the tournament.

"About 150 golfers, including ambassadors, United Nations staff and international company top executives are expected to participate in the tournament," Tommy said.

United Nations bodies like the Food and Agricultural Organization, the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program and about 20 multinational and international companies, which are also co-sponsors, have also confirmed their participation.

However, he said that the organizers will name all the participants two days prior to the tournament, which will be officially opened by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas.

The tournament, which has a maximum handicap of 24 for men and 28 for ladies, will feature four classes: A, B, C and ladies. It is being organized by the United Nations Association of Indonesia, Mercurindo and the Gramedia publishing company.

Ongky Triono, the organizer's deputy, said that a house, a car and a golf-course membership are on offer for anyone who gets a hole-in-one.

"The purpose of staging the tournament is to donate to the National Foster Parents Drive, which is chaired by Halimah Bambang Trihatmodjo," Tommy said.

Every participating company is being charged Rp 1 million (US$423) to enter the tournament.

On the same day, to earn more funds, the organizers are auctioning off one of Presiuent Soeharto's golf clubs, which has been signed by the head of state.

"We hope that by staging the auction we'll be able to raise more funds for the drive," he said. (yan)