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The Bank of Kigali-BK Golf Tournament kicked off in Kigali attracting players who participated in the just concluded 2024 Africa CEOs Forum (ACF) in Kigali.
The 11th ACF, which took place on 16-17 May, brought together over 2,000 business leaders, investors and policy makers from Africa and the world to highlight the driving role of the private sector in the continent’s development. As part of the closing activities of the forum, the Bank of Kigali organized the BK Golf Tournament.
The tournament attracted around 80 representatives of the Africa CEO Forum in an event that embraced diversity and inclusion, camaraderie and intense competition, but also provided a networking opportunity to strengthen relationships between international and local CEOs by spending additional time together on its court. golf.
The CEOs who played in this weekend’s game said it was a great idea to throw in the BK Golf Tournament at the end of the forum because it allows the CEOs to relax, unwind. and experience life in Kigali.
“It was a great idea for the Bank of Kigali to invite us to play. I was a bit skeptical at first to say how it will be but I have been well received and the golf course here is very great,” said Vizenge M. Kumwenda, Managing Director of National Insurance Company Limited-NICO Group Plc. – Malawi.
Kumwenda said the tournament was well organized and won over Rwanda for its progress in the economy and also for offering high quality golf for visitors coming to Rwanda, but he was impressed by the fact that Rwanda has more women.
“I have to say this is my first time having a lady caddy. I really appreciate it and I will definitely come back because I think there is a lot more to see out there (in Rwanda),” Kumwenda said.
Kumwenda noted that he was impressed and charmed by the clean roads, high-tech golf course and clubhouse in Kigali – something he said Malawi can learn from Rwanda.
As a sponsor of the golf edition, Bank of Kigali underlined its commitment to strengthening business relationships and supporting local sports and recreation in Rwanda.
Levi Gasangwa, the Chief Business and Corporate Solutions of the Bank of Kigali encouraged people in Rwanda to play golf as it has no boundaries but brings people from different walks of life together.
“The most important thing is to participate. I think it’s a beautiful game. The game of golf mirrors the business world in so many ways. On these roads, we learn dedication, excellence. skill and most importantly – integrity,” said Gasangwa.
Gasangwa appreciated the organizers of the tournament, including the BK marketing team, and invited the participants of the Africa CEO forum to come to Rwanda for the upcoming and remaining editions of BK golf this year.
The BK Golf Tournament also witnessed the partial launch of the upgraded state-of-the-art clubhouse at Kigali Golf Club, which is expected to officially open in December 2024.
Winners of the edition received their prizes at the new clubhouse and many showed excitement to start using the upgraded structure which comes after a new multi-billion 18-hole golf course in Kigali opens in 2021.
Cecilia Misari, the top player in the Women’s Handicap 0-18 category, who failed to perform well in the February edition due to rains, said the new facility will improve the love of golf in Rwanda.
Other Winners
The best player was Zoe Lin (Handicap 19-36) followed by Nelvey Andao and Sitak Philip.
Among the seniors, Joseph Ntambara once again dominated the category as seen in the previous edition.
Arnold Kwizera won the Men’s 19-28 Handicap category. Handicap 10-18 by Dr. Roger Bayingana – who had initially retired from the game. and in the 0-9 Handicap- considered the power or pressure group, Wasim Shakil emerged as the overall winner.
However, the publication also awards its guest player category which was won by Kihara Maina, followed by Christian Bwakira and Alban Luggatto respectively.