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| ISPS HANDA receive donation as the Official International Charity Partner of The 2013 Solheim Cup |
In a tournament where a player’s passion for their sport and their country is ignited on the largest stage it seemed fitting that ISPS HANDA, the Official International Charity Partner who have a firm belief in the “power of sport”, were the recipients of a $50,000 donation from the LET & LPGA during the 2013 Solheim Cup.
“I would like to thank the LET, the LPGA and everyone involved in The Solheim Cup in creating such a unique platform for us to receive this kind donation that will go to such worthy causes,” said ISPS Chairman, Dr. Haruhisa Handa.
“ISPS has strived to harness the “power of sport” and provide opportunities through sport for those less fortunate around the world. We at ISPS strongly believe in the “power of sport” to inspire, to create hope and to transform society, and I would like to thank everyone for their dedication to their charitable causes beyond golf.”
Dr. Handa is a devoted golf supporter who has played a significant role in showcasing the women’s game around the globe. ISPS, the organization that he founded in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world, currently sponsors more than a dozen professional golf events worldwide.
Ivan Khodabakhsh, Chief Executive of The Ladies European Tour, said: “The Ladies European Tour is proud to partner with ISPS HANDA and together we can spread love for the game of golf, enabling people of all abilities to participate and share our passion for the game. We appreciate Dr Handa’s continued support of our organisation and players.”
“It’s a perfect marriage” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “What Dr Handa and ISPS do throughout the world of golf is fantastic, to be able to raise the awareness of blind and disabled golf through an event like the Solheim Cup is a great opportunity and we thank ISPS HANDA for their commitment to women’s golf, not just here but around the globe”.
Twenty-four female golfers did battle at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker over the week to compete for their teammates, their captain and their country in the 13th staging of the Solheim Cup.
Europe won the Solheim Cup in the United States for the first time with an 18-10 victory in Colorado. Needing just 3.5 points to retain the trophy on the final day Europe got off to a perfect start with 17-year-old Charley Hull’s thumping win over Paula Creamer. Anna Nordqvist halved her match before Europe’s Carlota Ciganda and American Brittany Lang won their matches. Caroline Hedwall’s point retained the title and Catriona Matthew’s half won the trophy.
As well as a first win on foreign soil, it was the first time Europe have retained the trophy since the competition was first played in 1990.
The live television coverage of the Solheim Cup was broadcasted to 75 million households throughout Europe, while highlights reached 141 million homes. The Solheim Cup was simultaneously streamed live on the LET YouTube channel in countries where event could not be viewed on television.
For more information on ISPS HANDA please visit www.ispsgolf.com
