Swing for the Kids 2023 set to tee off

Charity sports tournaments are becoming increasingly popular as they provide a healthy playground for sports lovers while also providing aid for the needy. The annual golf charity tournament Swing for the Kids, organised by VIR, is a prime example.

Since its inception in 2007, it has gained a reputation for providing scholarship support for hundreds of disadvantaged students and upgrading learning facilities.

Swing for the Kids 2023

Supporting talented students

Over the past 15 seasons, the Organising Board has successfully awarded over 20,000 scholarships totalling VND20 billion ($843,881) to outstanding but deprived students from across the country who require financial support. It has also facilitated upgrades to the learning facilities in 40 cities and provinces.

The 16th annual Swing for the Kids charity golf tournament will take place on October 21 at the BRG Kings Island Golf Resort in Hanoi. The registration fee is VND3.5 million ($150) per golfer, inclusive of the course fee, a caddy, a golf cart, and the gala dinner.

“Over the past 16 years, from the economic crisis and raging pandemic to more peaceful times, the business community and those with compassionate hearts have stood with VIR as we organised this charity golf tournament,” said Le Trong Minh, VIR’s editor-in-chief and head of the tournament’s Organising Board. “Swing for the Kids has become a gathering place of golf-loving businessmen and benevolent hearts. It has provided additional resources for thousands of students – especially those from ethnic minorities and remote, mountainous, and island areas – in the form of scholarships and support to upgrade and renovate schools.”

“We believe that the enthusiasm and compassion of entrepreneurs and the business community will create a platform and motivation for poor students to overcome the barriers to acquiring knowledge.”

Long-term partnerships

As a companion for nine of the 16 seasons of Swing for the Kids, Mark Reeves, director of BRG Group’s Golf Business, clearly feels the humanitarian values that the tournament has brought to society.

“We are very honoured and proud to contribute to the success of Swing for the Kids, as well as the charitable activities of the Swing for Kids Scholarship Fund initiated by VIR. BRG Group’s chairwoman Nguyen Thi Nga has repeatedly emphasised her desire to accompany this golf tournament for many years to come,” Reeves said.

Through VIR’s Swing for Kids Scholarship Fund, many sponsors have shown their care and support for students in disadvantaged and flood-stricken areas. The tournament also attracts golf-loving investors, entrepreneurs, and representatives of international and domestic organisations and diplomatic agencies.

Le Khac Hiep, vice chairman of Vingroup, said, “Social charity is one of Vingroup’s three focus areas, along with technology, industry, and trade services. Every year, the Kind Heart Foundation earmarks a large amount of money for social activities. Our policy is to talk less and do more.”

“Vingroup and the Kind Heart Foundation have engaged as the platinum sponsor of Swing for the Kids since the first days of its inception. We accompany the tournament thanks to the dedication of VIR, as well as the Swing For the Kids scholarship Fund it initiated. Members have travelled to remote areas and islands to grant scholarships to students in disadvantaged circumstances.

“Normally, charitable funds set aside 5-10 per cent for logistics and operational expenses. However, VIR covers all travel and accommodation costs for the volunteers, which makes us feel truly grateful.”

In the same vein, Tran Kim Nga, CEO of Vietnam Beverage Co., Ltd., said, “When we engage in charitable activities, we do not expect anything for ourselves. Indeed, the company, VIR, and the Organising Board even travelled to the central province of Nghe An to grant scholarships to the disadvantaged students there.”

“By participating in this golf tournament, we hope to provide better opportunities for children. Our chairman has stressed the importance of sharing the benefits we enjoy with the community where we operate. We also create a favourable environment for students to build their careers.”

The 16-year journey is a testament to the trust that the Organising Board, sponsors, and benefactors have placed in VIR. After nearly 20 years, there has been an increasing number of students and schools receiving support from the Scholarship Fund for Vietnamese Children raised via the charity golf tournament.

VIR is committed to continuing its efforts for children, the future generation of the country, and enhancing its social responsibility. At the same time, it will promote the spirit of building healthy lifestyles and better communities.

Jobs at the ready for scholarship students Aside from helping to fund a series of scholarships for disadvantaged children, sponsors of VIR’s Swing for the Kids charity golf tournament are focusing on creating job opportunities for the students after graduation.

BRG chairwoman leans in to corporate responsibility and community outreach With more than 30 years of experience and many achievements, chairwoman of BRG Group Nguyen Thi Nga believes that business development and community outreach go hand in hand.

More companies embrace sustainable development Increasingly, companies across Vietnam are embracing corporate responsibility, sustainability, and building community relations. The presence of names such as Samsung, PetroVietnam, Sabeco, BRG, SeABank, Vingroup, Sun Group, Coninco, Kinderworld, and Gelex in community activities over the years is obvious.