Billy Holowesko and David Bethel won the 16th Annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup Semi-Final which was held at the Ocean Club Golf Course this past Sunday. Shown from left are Halowesko; K. Darron Turnquest, director of youth in Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture; and Bethel.

total of 96 players took part in the 16th Annual Duke of Edinburgh Semi-Finals Charity Golf Tournament at the Ocean Club Golf Course this past Sunday in support of the Governor General's Youth Awards (GGYA) Programme.

With the help of major sponsors like Bahamas Food Services, Tyreflex Motors, Graycliff, SunTee, Harbourside Marine and John Bull, a donation of $45,000 was made to the program. Over the last decade-plus, their collective contribution has exceeded the $800,000 mark.

K. Darron Turnquest, the Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture along with GGYA Board of Trustees members Susan Glinton, Denise Mortimer, Jack Thompson and Everette Mackey graciously accepted the check from Tournament Coordinator and Atlantis Public Relations Manager Eric Hall.

Also bringing remarks on behalf Minister Dr. Daniel Johnson, Turnquest congratulated the sponsors for their support and the golfers for their efforts and for believing in the work of the program. He stressed upon the attendees the importance of such programs for young people at a time when so many are at-risk and facing challenging times.

While the considerable charitable donation is the most important aspect of the tournament, there is another major incentive for the players; a chance to represent The Bahamas at the Duke of Edinburgh Cup Finals in Windsor, Great Britain. The all-expense paid trip to the United Kingdom (October 2-6, 2016) includes accommodation, flights, meals and golf at top courses. Also, a member of the Royal Family attends the awards dinner, which is held at Windsor Castle.

Winning the event and traveling to the United Kingdom to represent The Bahamas were Billy Holowesko and David Bethel representing Team Odyssey Aviation who shot a 57. Joining them are runners-up Blake Nolan and Matt Freilich, representing Team Higgs and Kelly who scored a 58.

The team of Blake Nolan and Matt Freilich finished as the runners-up at the 16th Annual Duke of Edinburgh Cup Semi-Final which was held at the Ocean Club Golf Course this past Sunday. Shown from left are Nolan; K. Darron Turnquest, Director of youth in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culturel; and Freilich. (Photos: Bahamas Visual Services)

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