UN Refugee Agency enters into partnership with LIV Golf
The UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, announced the welcome news of its first ever golf partnership with LIV Golf in mid-October. The three-year partnership aims to support one million people of different ages, genders and abilities in refugee areas around the world. As part of this, LIV Golf has pledged ten million dollars to improve access to sport and education for displaced people in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America and to introduce golf and play activities aimed at improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable people.
UNHCR Senior Advisor and Representative in the Golf Cooperation Council countries, Khaled Khalifa, says: ““UNHCR believes strongly in the power of sport. We have seen first-hand that it can provide displaced children and youth with a sense of purpose and inspiration at a time of great personal upheaval. Sports bridge communities and foster team spirit, well-being, and community cohesion, especially for people who have been forced to flee their homes and their host communities. We are excited to announce the launch of this partnership with LIV Golf, which aims to make a significant positive impact on these communities. By creating opportunities, fostering friendships, and establishing career pathways, we hope to help improve their lives.”.” LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner, Greg Norman, says: “We’re proud to partner with the UN Refugee Agency to make a positive impact in the world through sport. LIV Golf’s ‘Potential Unleashed’ strategy is utilizing the game of golf as a force for positive change, and we are honoured to be the first professional golf organization to work hand-in-hand with UNHCR to help deliver its meaningful programming and initiatives.”
Sport for protection projects are designed to help promote social inclusion and cohesion, create safe spaces and improve the well-being and health of refugees and host communities. The activities within the partnership with LIV Golf take place in community centers, schools, camps and sports clubs and aim to make sport accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities. “Our players, our teams and our league are committed to making golf more inclusive and leveraging our wonderful sport to uplift individuals and communities while improving their educational outcomes,” added Norman. “This is a significant step into broadening that reach and impact across the world.”
