Simkoko Shines as Golfers Drive Down Syndrome Awareness
By Staff Writer
Abbas Simkoko continued his fine form by emerging as the overall winner of the inaugural Tee Up for Down Syndrome Awareness golf tournament at TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Playing off a handicap of 24, Simkoko produced a stunning six-under-par performance, scoring 42 Stableford points to finish at the top of a strong field of more than 120 men and women golfers from across Tanzania.
The tournament, organised by Chadron’s Hope Foundation, brought golfers together not only to compete but also to raise public awareness about Down syndrome and promote greater inclusion and support for people with the condition and their families.
Simkoko’s victory comes just a week after he won the CEOs Luxury Retreat Golf Division C title at Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Golf in Zanzibar, underlining his impressive recent run of form.
In Division A, junior golfer Ibrahim Juma topped the standings with 40 points from a handicap of five. Nsajigwa Mwansasu, also playing off five, finished second with 38 points.
(Ibrahim Juma Middle)
Division B was won by Kennedy Kajuna, who returned 39 points from a handicap of 24. Chediel Msechu was runner-up with 38 points.
(Kennedy Kajuna right)
(Chediel Msechu right)
In Division C, H. Ngotea led the field with an impressive 41 points from a handicap of 19, while Ramadan Ramadhan finished second with 39 points.
Femin Mabachi claimed the Senior trophy with 37 points from a handicap of 15. Winiester Anderson, playing off 21, was second with 33 points.
In the Ladies Silver Division, Sharmaine Broodryk produced one of the day's outstanding performances, scoring 42 points from a handicap of 26 to take the title. Lucy Godfrey, also off 26, finished second with 38 points.
The Ladies Bronze category was won by Letisia Kapalia, who scored 39 points from a handicap of 12. Zumla Hamis, playing off 16, was second with 38 points.
(Leticia Kapalila right)
The Guest Men’s prize went to Solomoni Kawiche with 39 points, while Betheenia Cannel took the Guest Ladies prize with 40 points.
Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) Chairman Gilman Kasiga saluted the organisers and the leadership of TPDF Lugalo Golf Club, under Chairman Major General Wilbert Ibuge, for supporting the initiative and opening the club to an event focused on Down syndrome awareness.
Speaking at the tournament, Kasiga said the golf community had a responsibility to continue supporting initiatives that create awareness and break down barriers facing people with Down syndrome.
“We thank Lugalo for being touched by the challenges faced by these children, who need the support of everyone. I also thank the golfers who contributed in one way or another. Let us continue with this spirit.”
Kasiga said the opportunity had brought together the golfing community around an important social cause and praised the organisers for using sport as a platform for education and awareness.
He also highlighted the joy displayed by children attending the event.
“When you see these children enjoy and dance, you can see the happiness brought on their faces. This is because of what you have done,” he said.
Msechu, speaking on behalf of Lugalo Golf Club, thanked the organisers for choosing the club to host the inaugural tournament.
“We take this positively and thank you for trusting us. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of addressing the challenges faced by these children. 
"We also thank golfers from different clubs who contributed in one way or another. Let us continue with this spirit.”
For Chadron’s Hope Foundation founder Elly Kitaly, the tournament carried a deeply personal meaning
.
Her son, Chadron, has Down syndrome, and her experience has helped shape the Foundation’s campaign to improve awareness, understanding and inclusion.
Kitaly thanked Lugalo Golf Club for providing the facilities and support needed to stage the event, while also praising golfers for turning out in large numbers.
“We are grateful for the support. It is a long way to go, but we believe that this is the first step that we are taking here,” she said.
Kitaly stressed that awareness remains central to the Foundation's work.
“Awareness is very important because it will keep changing people. We always climb Mount Kilimanjaro every two years to create awareness about Down syndrome, and this is our first golf awareness tournament. This will continue.”
From Uhuru Peak to the Golf Course
Organised under the theme “Play the Game. Create Awareness. Champion Inclusion,” the event combined an 18-hole golf tournament with the Draw Your Dream Art Exhibition and activities for children and families.
The programme was designed to create a day of sport, creativity and community engagement while taking the Down syndrome awareness message to a wider audience.
The Foundation's campaign seeks to challenge misconceptions and stigma that can leave people with Down syndrome and their families isolated, while encouraging communities to recognise their potential and support their inclusion throughout their lives.
The tournament forms part of Chadron’s Hope Foundation’s broader awareness journey, captured in the slogan “From Uhuru Peak to the Golf Course.”
Chadron’s Hope Foundation supports people with Down syndrome and their families through awareness, early intervention and family support. 
Its work includes the Imara Therapy Center and Mama Mwema, the Coalition of Mothers Raising Champions, which brings mothers together for mutual support and economic empowerment.
The successful inaugural tournament marked another step in that journey, using the popularity of golf to promote a simple but powerful message: people with Down syndrome deserve understanding, opportunity, dignity and full inclusion in society.
