Els pairs with Dubai businessman to raise money for autism centre

Tim Brooks

• Last Updated: November 17. 2009 9:48PM UAE / November 17. 2009 5:48PM GMT

DUBAI // The golfing star Ernie Els, who has become a global ambassador for autism awareness and research, yesterday raised Dh150,000 (US$41,000) for the Dubai Autism Centre with a single round of golf.

The South African played 18 holes with the Dubai businessman Abdullah Al Naboodah, who donated the money for a spot in the pro-am event of the Race to Dubai golf championship.

“It is wonderful that people are beginning to realise that autism is a real problem,” Els said.

“It is a gallant gesture and demonstrates the strength of feeling people have about autism and the need for better understanding of its affects.”

The families of both men have been affected by the disease. Els, whose son was diagnosed with autism last year, has been a vocal advocate for more research to help understand the condition.

Mr al Naboodah’s nephew also suffers from autism.

“I know at first-hand how difficult it is for the parents to cope,” he said. “My family has always been a supporter of charity and I wanted to use this opportunity to help a worthwhile cause and I knew what it would mean to Ernie.”

Autism often goes undetected, and a lack of understanding has limited the amount of research into the condition and the support available to families.

In recent years, the disease has gained a higher profile in the Western world, but there is still a lack of awareness in the Middle East.

The Dubai Autism Centre was founded in 2001 and this year launched its third awareness campaign. The centre provides diagnoses, family support groups and career training.

In April, it hosted several fund-raising events at malls across the city and encouraged parents of autistic children to share their stories at public events.

Mr al Naboodah said sporting charity events, a relatively new concept in the UAE, provide an opportunity to increase the level of support for good causes.

“While there has always been a culture of supporting charities, events like this have not been staged here before and it is important to make the most of them,” he said.

Earlier this year, Els established an autism foundation to raise awareness of the condition. He said he hopes his fame can help raise the profile of autism, and he plans to set up a Florida-based research centre in 2011.

Last year, after his five-year-old son had been diagnosed, Els played the PGA Tour with an Autism Speaks logo on his golf bag to promote the advocacy organisation.

Athletes Against Autism, an initiative within Autism Speaks, has been backed by the professional ice hockey players Byron Dafoe and Scott Mellanby, among others.

His fellow golfing stars Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy also participated in the pro-am yesterday. The tournament proper begins tomorrow.

tbrooks@thenational.ae