Community Partner Program
Els for Autism is dedicated to collaborating with autism organizations that share similar goals in every major market the Golf Challenge regional event visits, either by organizing an adaptive golf clinic or providing an on-site networking opportunity.
Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Clinic
At select locations of the Golf Challenge regional event series, Els for Autism hosts an Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf Clinic. Each clinic is hosted by a local golf or recreation-based organization, Golf Provider, that completes an online training to become an Official Program Provider. In addition to the clinic host, we also invite an Autism Partner, which is a local non-profit, who brings clients to participate in the event. This clinic offers participants an orientation to golf, specialized for individuals on the autism spectrum. The clinic runs for 1 hour and includes a 5-minute introduction, 5 minutes of stretching, and 45 minutes of golf activities with intermittent short breaks. During the clinic, students exercise and work on new golf skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts infused into the lesson plan. The clinic is divided into 4-6 stations that utilize visual supports to cover basic golf skills: stretching and grip, putting, chipping, pitching, and full swing. Our goal with these clinics is to leave a mark on the city by giving local autism organizations a new activity to enjoy that is designed for their clients.
Networking Opportunity
Our local Giveback Partners will be invited to attend the event to network in a variety of ways, including promoting the organization’s mission, goals, and vision. Depending on the organization’s output, Els for Autism will assist with the promotion of their products, microbusiness, or tabling activity during the golf tournament. The organization will include any information or collateral in each golfer's gift bag, but all supplies must be dropped off at the course at least 24 hours before the event.
Our Past Partners
Non-Profit Partners:
- FOCUS Center for Autism, CT
- The Nest Coffee House, CT
- Adelbrook Bark-ery, CT
- Giant Steps, IL
- Minnesota Independence Community College, MN
- Project Elija Empowering Autism, PA
- It's a Sensory World, TX
- Thrive Center for Success, TX
- Autism Society of Northan Virginia, VA
- Cameron's Coffee & Chocolates, VA
- Trellis Center, WA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute