South Africa's largest amateur sporting event, the Sanlam Cancer Challenge, tees off at golf clubs around the country in March 2011, as thousands of golfers begin qualifying to make it to the prestigious National Finals in October. A total of 37 000 golfers took part in the 2010 Challenge, which featured around 800 club competitions and 32 regional finals in an effort to raise R2.5 million for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

This year's event will feature club competitions from March to July. The winners of these will qualify for the regional finals from August to September, from where the winners will travel to Sun City to compete in the 36-hole National Finals in October on the spectacular fairways of the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Course.

"This will be our second year at the new venue of Sun City, which has made a tremendous difference in the desire of the country's amateur golfers to be a part of this event," said Gary van Loggerenberg, Sanlam Sponsorship Manager. "It must be every amateur's dream to play in a competitive tournament on two of the finest golf courses in the world, each with such an amazing history and pedigree.But the primary aim of the Challenge is raise funds for CANSA, and since 1993, golf has contributed a total of R23 million in the battle against cancer."

"The golfing community is one of our strongest allies and supporters in the fight against cancer and we are grateful for the amazing support they provide every year through their involvement in the Sanlam Cancer Challenge," said Sue Janse van Rensburg, CEO of CANSA.

As the patron of the Sanlam Cancer Challenge, Ernie Els is particularly passionate about the work the event does in the fight against cancer. "The Sanlam Cancer Challenge has been built up over the years by the South African golf community. I'm proud to be part of this process, as I think every golfer who participates in the good cause should be."So many people do so much to make the club competitions possible. And to those who compete, thank you for playing a round for CANSA."

This year's Challenge will again feature the unique CANSA P-Ball awareness game - a small biodegradable ball that helps to indicate possible prostate problems amongst men. The ball is placed in a urinal and then the person takes aim with the objective of dissolving the ball in one go. “If you have difficulty dissolving the P-Ball with a once-off urinary stream, you should then contact your doctor,” says Janse Van Rensburg. "A lot is made about detecting female cancers early enough, and through the use of the P-Ball awareness game, we encouraging men to do the same," she added. "Men over 50 are particularly vulnerable and should go for regular screenings to check for prostate cancer."

Sanlam and CANSA have partnered the Sanlam Cancer Challenge since 1993. CANSA’s purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa by offering a unique and integrated service to the public and all people affected by cancer. As a leading role-player in cancer research (more than R4,5 million spent annually), the scientific findings and knowledge gained from research are used to realign the health programmes as well as strengthen the watchdog role to the greater benefit of the public.

CANSA has more than 330 staff, 12 000 volunteers, 60 offices as well as 13 interim homes in the main cities for out-of-town cancer patients accessing treatment. CANSA runs a toll-free information service during office hours 0800 22 66 22. CANSA gives out free Cancer Coping kits in English, seSotho, isiZulu and Afrikaans. For more information, visit www.cansa.org.za or contact CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 email: info@cansa.org.za.

The purpose of the Sanlam Cancer Challenge is to raise funds and awareness annually for the fight against cancer. Over 40 000 golfers play in more than 800 club competitions held around the country in support of CANSA’s prevention programmes and patient care services throughout the year. Visit www.sanlamcancerchallenge.co.za.

For further information, contact Mantoine van Biljon, Project Leader CANSA, email: mvbiljon@cansa.org.za or phone the toll free line at 0800 22 66 22.