PGA, Els Family Tee Up to Raise Awareness
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the PGA recently collaborated with Autism Speaks on a public service announcement (PSA) that debuted on the Golf Channel and CBS during the 2008 Verizon Heritage on Hilton Head Island, S.C. The PSA features a heartfelt autism awareness message from Liezl Els, wife of pro-golfer Ernie Els. The Els' 5-year-old son Ben has been diagnosed with autism. Ernie Els first announced his partnership with Autism Speaks and his mission to raise awareness about autism during the PODS Championship in Tampa Bay, Fla. in March.
View the PGA/Autism Speaks PSA featuring the Els family
(YouTube Video, ~1 minute)
(YouTube Video, ~1 minute)
Ernie Els and fellow pro-golfer Cliff Kresge, who also has a child with autism, wrote a personal message that was placed in every player's locker at the Verizon Heritage tournament, encouraging them to wear the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pins to show their support. Els will continue to raise awareness throughout the season by sporting the Autism Speaks logo on his golf bag.
More coverage regarding the PGA's efforts to promote autism awareness:
Videos:
Ernie Els Brings Attention to Autism
Els and Kresge Speak Out on Autism
Els Speaks About Autism
Articles:
Els discloses son has autism, seeks attention for research
Els Continue Quest for Autism Support
Verizon Heritage brings attention to worthy causes
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