Community Partner Program
Els for Autism is committed to partnering with like-minded autism organizations throughout the Golf Challenge series. At select regional events, we host an Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf clinic where we invite local autism organizations to participate, helping them further promote their mission and goals within their communities. These clinics are led by a local golf or recreation-based organization that completes our online training to become an Official Program Provider (OPP) of our curriculum. Alongside the clinic host, we invite an Autism Partner—usually a local nonprofit that brings clients to participate in the clinic. The clinic provides a one-hour introduction to golf, specially tailored for individuals with autism.
To support both organizations, Els for Autism makes a donation to the Golf Provider and the Autism Partner involved in the clinic. Through these clinics, we aim to create an ongoing positive impact that extends beyond the event itself.
2024 Partners
· WEST PALM BEACH, FL
o Official Program Provider: Els for Autism Recreation Department
o Clinic Participants: The Adult Day Training Program at Els for Autism
· METRO NYC
o Official Program Provider: New Jersey Golf Foundation
o Clinic Participants: Kidstokids (K2K)
· MINNEAPOLIS, MN
o Official Program Provider: First Tee - Minnesota
o Clinic Participants: Minnesota Independence College and Community
· PHILADELPHIA, PA
o Official Program Provider: First Tee - Delaware
o Clinic Participants: Eagles Autism Foundation and Project Elijah Empowering Autism
· SAN FRANCISCO, CA
o Official Program Provider: First Tee - San Francisco
o Clinic Participants: Friends of Children with Special Needs
· HARTFORD, CT
o Official Program Provider: Lake of Isles Golf Academy
o Clinic Participants: Lake of Isles Golf Academy
· CHICAGO, IL
o Official Program Provider: First Tee – Greater Chicago
o Clinic Participants: Giant Steps
· VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
o Official Program Provider: Hampton Roads Virginia
o Clinic Participants: F.A.C.T. (Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater), the Virginia Autism Foundation, Maverick Learning Center
Hear From One of Our Partners!
“The event was a resounding success, showcasing the power of sports in fostering inclusion and personal growth. While we are a microcosm of the worldwide work of Els for Autism, K2K mirrors their mission, and the collaboration between Els for Autism and K2K exemplifies the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations come together for a common cause. It not only provided a day of fun and learning for the participants but also highlighted the importance of creating inclusive spaces in sports and beyond. As our community continues to embrace diversity and inclusion, events like this golf clinic serve as shining examples of what can be achieved through dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision of a more inclusive world.” - David May, Managing Trustee and Founder, Kidstokids (K2K)
