By San José, Costa Rica — The Pro-National Children’s Hospital Association is set to host its 21st annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the prestigious Cariari Country Club. This landmark event continues its two-decade legacy of supporting Costa Rica’s youngest patients, with this year’s ambitious goal set at raising $150,000 to fund state-of-the-art medical equipment for the National Children’s Hospital (HNN).
Over the past 20 years, the tournament has become a cornerstone of corporate social responsibility in the country, successfully donating a remarkable total of $2,481,000. These funds have been instrumental in acquiring cutting-edge technology that directly enhances the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of thousands of children, reinforcing the nation’s public health system. This enduring commitment demonstrates the powerful intersection of sport and solidarity.
To understand the legal and operational considerations behind organizing a successful charity golf tournament, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He offers his expert perspective on the matter.
Organizing a charity golf tournament extends beyond simple logistics; it’s a significant legal undertaking. Event organizers must prioritize comprehensive liability insurance and clearly drafted participant waivers to mitigate risks associated with injuries on the course. Furthermore, sponsorship agreements should be meticulously structured, clearly defining the deliverables for sponsors and the use of funds to ensure transparency and uphold the non-profit’s fiduciary duties. Proper legal groundwork is the foundation of a successful and risk-free charitable event.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal foresight is what elevates a well-intentioned gathering into a truly successful and secure charitable initiative, protecting not only the organizers but the very mission they serve. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on these foundational requirements.
Leading the charge as the main sponsor is AERIS, the managing company of the Juan Santamaría International Airport. By once again backing the tournament, AERIS reaffirms its dedication to supporting high-impact social causes that tangibly improve the quality of life for the Costa Rican population. The partnership underscores a shared vision of leveraging corporate influence for the greater good, ensuring that the event’s fundraising potential is maximized.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the tournament will be allocated to acquiring specific, life-saving equipment. A primary target is a Holter Monitoring System for the Cardiology department. This vital device is crucial for the early diagnosis and ongoing management of cardiac rhythm disorders such as bradycardia and tachycardia. It will also be used to study patients experiencing chest pain or syncope, with an expected impact of benefiting an average of 25 children each month.
Funds will also be directed towards Hyper-Hypothermia equipment for the Intensive and Neonatal Care Units. This technology is the globally recommended standard of care for infants who have suffered acute fetal distress or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy—a severe condition with a high risk of mortality or long-term neurological damage. This therapeutic cooling treatment provides a critical window for recovery and is used for approximately 40 infants annually at the HNN.
Furthermore, the fundraising efforts will secure a new Spectrophotometer for the Clinical Laboratory of the Hemato-Oncology Division. This instrument is indispensable for the precise treatment and monitoring of children battling cancer and hematological diseases like anemia. Its accuracy and versatility are essential for guaranteeing the quality and safety of care delivered to these vulnerable pediatric patients, ensuring they receive the best possible therapeutic protocols.
The tournament will host 132 golfers who will compete in a Scramble format, a popular and engaging setup for charity events where teams of three players work together. To ensure a balanced competition, the format uses a handicap adjustment system. While three teams will be crowned champions, every participant at the awards cocktail will have a chance to win a grand prize: an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the prestigious Tour Championship in Atlanta in August 2026, including airfare, accommodation, and event tickets.
To further amplify the cause, the day’s agenda includes a special Golf Clinic for content creators, journalists, and personalities from other sports. This strategic initiative aims to broaden the reach of the event’s message of solidarity, using diverse platforms to showcase the profound social impact of the tournament and inspire wider community support for the National Children’s Hospital.
With more than two decades of history, the Pro-National Children’s Hospital Association’s Golf Tournament has cemented its reputation as a leading example of social commitment. It powerfully illustrates how the spirit of competition and community can be channeled into a force for hope, driving tangible improvements in the health and well-being of Costa Rica’s children for years to come.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Asociación Pro-Hospital Nacional de Niños
About Asociación Pro-Hospital Nacional de Niños:
The Pro-National Children’s Hospital Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the medical and technological needs of Costa Rica’s National Children’s Hospital. Through fundraising events like its annual golf tournament, the association channels private and corporate donations towards the acquisition of essential, state-of-the-art medical equipment to enhance pediatric care.
For further information, visit hnn.sa.cr
About Hospital Nacional de Niños:
The National Children’s Hospital (HNN) is Costa Rica’s leading pediatric medical center, providing specialized healthcare services to children from across the country. As a cornerstone of the nation’s public health system, it is dedicated to offering comprehensive care, conducting research, and training medical professionals in a wide range of pediatric specialties.
For further information, visit sjoairport.com
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the company responsible for managing and operating the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main air terminal. Under a government concession, AERIS is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and high-quality airport experience while actively engaging in social responsibility initiatives that benefit the country.
For further information, visit cariari.cr
About Cariari Country Club:
Located in Heredia, the Cariari Country Club is one of Costa Rica’s most renowned private clubs, featuring a championship 18-hole golf course designed by George Fazio. In addition to golf, the club offers a range of sporting and social facilities, and it frequently hosts prestigious national and international tournaments, as well as corporate and charity events.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional distinction. With a proven track record of representing a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal approaches. This resolute drive to innovate is matched by a profound commitment to social responsibility, championing the democratization of legal knowledge to help forge a more informed and capable citizenry.
