Reuters AlertNet Lite - Nelson Mandela charity drops Player over Myanmar link

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Nelson Mandela charity drops Player over Myanmar link

09 Oct 2007 10:10:50 GMT
Source: Reuters

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 9 (Reuters) - The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF) has asked South African golf champion Gary Player to step down as host of a fund-raising tournament after questions arose about his business dealings in Myanmar.

Player, one of the world's most successful golfers, is co-host of the annual Nelson Mandela Invitational, which attracts top golf, business and celebrity personalities to raise money for the former South African President's charity.

"We have ... asked Mr. Player to stand down as guest of honour and host for this year's event (in November)," the NMCF said in a statement.

"Mr. Player shares with us a desire to protect Mr. Mandela's good name and ensure that nothing be allowed to detract from the potential success of a prestigious event aimed at improving the lives of children in South Africa."

South Africa's former Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu had urged a boycott of Player over his involvement in a property development in Myanmar.

Last month, Myanmar's military rulers sent in soldiers to end the biggest pro-democracy protests since 1988, rounding up and arresting scores of people. Official media say 10 people died in the crackdown, although Western governments say the toll could be higher.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel laureate whose party won a 1990 election landslide only to be denied power by the army and has been under house arrest for nearly 12 of the last 18 years, has called for a boycott of international companies doing business in the country.

The Mandela fund said it was not fully aware of Player's involvement in Myanmar nor the political impact of this involvement.

Player denies Gary Player Design has profited from developments in Myanmar, and argues he only became involved there when it appeared political repression had eased.

"I am very disappointed that my integrity and support for human rights has been brought into question," Player said in a statement. "The company's involvement in the design of a golf course has been taken entirely out of context."

Player, 72, is South Africa's most successful golfer, having won nine majors and 163 tournaments worldwide. He has been involved in more than 250 golf course design projects worldwide.

He said Gary Player Design was only paid expenses for the Myanmar project and had encouraged the developer to use it to create jobs. The working relationship ended in 2002, he added.

"Let me make it abundantly clear that I decry in the strongest possible terms events in Burma (Myanmar) and wholeheartedly support Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in his efforts to bring peace and transition to that country," Player added.

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Last updated:Tue Oct 9 10:09:40 2007