Five charities have been selected to benefit from this year?s Ross (Blackie) Talbot Golf Tournament, which has grown steadily in popularity since its beginning more than 10 years ago.

During a press conference yesterday, Clem Talbot, son of the late entertainer Ross Talbot and the charity?s founder, noted that the annual event had generated more than $1 million in proceeds for various charities since it was first played in 1993.

?This tournament brings people together from across the entire Bermuda community and from all walks of life,? said Talbot.

?What attracts them is the camaraderie, fellowship and the chance to help Bermuda?s charitable causes by doing something they love ? being out of the office and playing golf.?

The tournament takes place this year from April 5 to 7 and is expected to bring more than 450 golfers to Riddell?s Bay, who together will generate as much as $175,000.

Yesterday, Joan Barnes, deputy chairman of the charity, announced the following organisations as recipients of the proceeds:

Bermuda Diabetes Association, who will use the funds to raise community awareness about youth obesity that is related to diabetes and other diseases.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters, who will begin a marketing campaign with the donation to bring in 50 to 100 new volunteers to help care for the growing number of children who need adult influence.

The St. George?s Fire Brigade, a registered charity and not a Government service, who will use the funds to upgrade safety equipment for their 40 volunteer firefighters.

The Women?s Resource Centre, who will use part of the proceeds to fund the Court Advocate Programme. The Programme provides legal assistance to those unable to afford legal fees and helps Police handling domestic violence cases.

The Ross (Blackie) Talbot Foundation, which will continue to advance musical education for young Bermudians by funding scholarships, financing youth productions and promoting the value of musical education.

Barnes noted that as of March 1 the tournament would also be raising funds through the sale of raffle tickets.

?Ross (Blackie)Talbot passed away in November, 2000, yet his lively and generous spirit lives on in the golf tournament that bears his name and brings together a diverse group of golfers, volunteers and corporate sponsors for an event that strengthens our community,? she said.

One of the tournament?s biggest sponsors is the Bank of Bermuda and yesterday Chief Operations Officer Phil Butterfield congratulated the charities that would receive the donations.

?It is well worth supporting and we?re happy to be with you today,? he said.

?For me, it?s a day out of the office.?

Supporting the late Blackie Talbot and his son, as well as supporting a special event for Bermudians, and helping the charities were all good reasons for being a sponsor, added Butterfield.