Ranveer Singh Saini

Autism Light #426 is Ranveer Singh Saini.

Ranveer Singh Saini is a 14 year old with autism from the city of Gurgaon in India. Ranveer competed in golf in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles and became the first one from India to win a Gold Medal in the World Games. Ranveer Singh Saini is an Autism Light for the way in which his skill in golf inspires others with autism and for the pride he has brought to the country of India by being their first citizen to win a gold medal in the Special Olympics World Games.

Ranveer Singh Saini becomes the first Indian Golfer to win a gold medal at @SpecialOlympics World Games @LA2015 pic.twitter.com/SodpTDRtfh

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 1, 2015

Ranveer began golfing at age 9. Because of his condition of having autism the dynamics of being successful while playing in a formal golf outing (that has many potential distractions around the course) has been a growing experience for him over the years. He has had therapy and special schedules geared toward the skills necessary to compete, so he could showcase his athletic talent. His coach Anitya Chand said:

While he adapted to the game, I took time to understand his special needs and devise different training techniques for him. He is quite an extraordinary child who thinks of golf merely as a game. Instead of getting bogged down by technicalities, he focuses on simply hitting the ball towards the hole. That's how he gradually became consistent with his swings and now he hits ball really well (Hole in One, Indian Express, May 12, 2013).

The following is a news story on Ranveer's golfing when he was 12 years of age.

 
2015 World Games - Special Olympics: Ranveer won a gold medal in the GF Golf-Level 2 Alternate Shot Team Play event on July 31, 2015, and in doing so became the first one from India to win a gold medal in the history of the World Games. 21 nations participated in the event in 2015. "Ranveer and his partner Monica Jajoo were nine shots clear of joint second-placed teams from Hong Kong (Tsz Leung Chung/Ka Kit Lam) and Nippon (Takefumi Hiyoshi/Tadatoshi Sakai) (Golfer Ranveer Singh Saini Bags Gold in Special Olympics World Games, NDTV Sports, August 1, 2015)."

The following is a news story from India Progressing about Ranveer Singh Saini's accomplishment of winning the Special Olympics Gold for India.

In response to the achievement, Ranveer's father said, "To all parents of special children, just don't give up, special children are self-sustaining (Golfer Ranveer Singh Saini Bags Gold in Special Olympics World Games, NDTV Sports, August 1, 2015)."

Asia Pacific Special Olympics Golf Masters - 2013: At the age of 12, Ranveer won two gold medals at the Asia Pacific Special Olympics Golf Maters in April, 2013 that was held in Macau.  He won a gold medal in the individual category and a gold medal in the team category. He also won a trophy in the skills competition (Hole in One, Indian Express, May 12, 2013). Ranveer's achievement also made it to the Limca Book of Records, which is the Indian equivalent to the Guiness Book of World Records.

Website: Visit Ranveer's official website at www.ranveersaini.com to learn about his past and future success.

If you would like to read more on Ranveer Singh Saini the following online stories feature his inspirational accomplishment.

• Indian Golfer Ranveer Saini Bags Gold in Special Olympics (The Times of India, August 1, 2015)
• Golfer Ranveer Singh Saini Bags Gold in Special Olympics World Games (NDTV Sports, August 1, 2015)
• Teen with Autism First from India to Win Gold at Special Olympics (Autism Speaks, August 5, 2015) 
• Autism Could Not Stop This 14 Year Old from Becoming a Gold Medalist in the Special Olympics (The Logical Indian, August 1, 2015)
• Hole in One (Indian Express, May 12, 2013)

Special thanks to Ranveer Singh Saini for being an Autism Light. We applaud Ranveer, and indeed his parents and coaches over the years, for this achievement in golf of winning the first Special Olympics Gold Medal from India. This feat has brought autism awareness to India and serves as an inspiration to many that people with autism can potentially do amazing things in the sport of golf.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Jordan Spieth

Autism Light #420 is Jordan Spieth.

Jordan Spieth is a professional golfer and is an autism brother from Dallas, Texas. Jordan's younger sister Ellie Spieth has autism and has inspired him on his amazing trip to the top of the golfing world at just age 21 (he was born on July 27, 1993). Jordan Spieth is an Autism Light for his brotherly love, autism advocacy and for starting The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation that will help secure educational opportunities for those with autism and special needs.

The following was posted on Twitter by Jordan to honor his sister Ellie.

Hangin out with the true athlete of the family #Ellie #diva @StevenSpieth pic.twitter.com/Ip8RqYUATD

— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) May 10, 2013

Early Career: Jordan Spieth won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2009 and 2011. He played college golf for a year and a half at the University of Texas. In the middle of his Sophomore season in 2012, he made the decision to turn professional at age 19.

PGA Golfing Career: Jordan Spieth has had immediate success as a professional golfer. He is ranked 2nd in the world at the time this post was written. The list of major championships he has won include:

• Masters (2015)
• U.S. Open (2015)
• John Deere Classic (2013 and 2015)
• Emirates Australian Open (2014)

The following is an interview Jordan Spieth did on CBS This Morning where he talks about his golfing and inspirational sister Ellie.

About His Sister Ellie:  When asked about the impact he has had from his sister Ellie and her journey with autism, Jordan Spieth said this:

"How has she shaped my upbringing? Well, she's the most special part of our family. She's the funniest part of our family. I love having her around. She's an incredible sister, my biggest supporter. She is somebody who you can watch and then reflect on the big picture of life and understand that all these frustrations in a day, or in a round of golf, are really secondary. We wouldn't have that realization without her (Jordan Spieth as quoted by CNN.com, April 14, 2015)."

The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation: Jordan Spieth is quoted as saying, "Being Ellie's brother humbles me every day of my life." Ellie's journey with autism has inspired Jordan to use his success to start The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation. The Foundation website says, "This opportunity to find better educational solutions for incredible young people like Ellie remains the primary focus of The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation." Military families and junior golf are also two subjects that will benefit from The Jordan Spieth Foundation.

The following is a PGA Tour video about Jordan Spieth's story of success.

Wikipedia: You can read more about Jordan Spieth on his Wikipedia Page.

Social Media: You can follow Jordan Spieth on the following social media areas.

• Facebook Page for Jordan Spieth
• Twitter @JordanSpieth

Special thanks to Jordan Spieth for being an Autism Light. Jordan's autism advocacy, his foundation, and his promotion that his sister who has autism has helped keep him grounded are shining a light for autism. We wish Jordan Spieth all the best in his pro golfing career. We have the feeling that this post will be updated several times in the years to come as Jordan reaches new heights in the field of golfing and autism advocacy.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Moe Norman

Autism Light #372 is Moe Norman. 

Murray Irwin "Moe" Norman was a legendary golf player with a perfectly straight natural swing that continues to be a model to this day and earned him the nickname "Pipeline Moe". Many of his close friends believe Moe had autism and was a savant for his unparalleled skill in golf. Moe Norman was born on July 10, 1929, and he died of congestive heart failure on September 4, 2004. His home was in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Moe Norman is an Autism Light because of how his efforts set an example for young people with autism who aspire to play professional golf, including young Wyatt Iles, who was Autism Light #351. Moe Norman will be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today.

Golfing Career: Moe Norman had 55 professional wins and shot a hole-in-one a remarkable 17 times.  Moe played briefly in Major PGA tournaments in the United States in the late 1950's, but his eccentric behavior caused him some problems fitting into the rigid culture of the PGA and led him to retreat to exclusively playing in tournaments in his homeland of Canada. He set 33 golf course records and won the Canadian PGA in 1966 and 1974. He was the Canadian PGA Seniors' Championship winner from 1979-1985 and in 1987.

Hall of Fame: Moe Norman was inducted into the following hall of fames.

• Professional Golfers Association of Canada Hall of Fame (2014)
• Canadian Sports Hall of Fame (2006)
• Canadian Golf Hall of Fame (1995)

Bruce Selcraig said, "I never heard Norman speak about autism, but I know that he understood its cruelties. In his car, which was filled with old newspaper clippings and the motivational tapes that helped rescue his life, he once had a well-worn article about autism sitting on the front seat. In the article the outdated term 'idiot savant' was discussed at length. Norman had crossed out the word idiot (USA Today, September 29, 2004)."

Moe & Me: Loren Rubenstein published the book Moe & Me in April, 2012 reflecting on his relationship with Moe Norman.  Bradley S. Klein's review of the book said this about it.

Rubenstein makes clear in this sad and touching tale that Norman lived a life filled with meaning and purpose. Maybe he suffered a form of autism. Maybe he was an obsessive-compulsive. But he had a special gift, and he built it into a life. He was something of a “Rainman” of golf. It’s an existence that would make a great movie. The key, as Rubenstein emphasizes throughout, is that Norman found a certain inner peace and security just hitting those perfect shots (Bradley S. Klein, Golf Week).

Moe Norman said later in his life, "It's not what the world gives you, but what you can give it. I'm lucky. I can give the world talent. I can explain it and show it to people. That's what I love doing. I just love it (Moe Norman on Moe Norman.org)."

Lee Trevino Praise: Lee Trevino said of Moe, "I don't know of any player, ever, who could strike a golf ball like Moe Norman, as far as hitting it solid, knowing where it is going and knowing what he wants to do with the ball Moe Norman is a genius when it comes to playing the game of golf (Moe Norman.org)."

Legacy of Swing: Moe Norman had such skill at his natural golf swing that ten years after his death, there is still a Moe Norman Single Swing Authority program being promoted by Graves Golf and the website moenorman.org also teaches the late golfer's technique.

Wikipedia:  You can learn more about Moe Norman on the Moe Norman Wikipedia Page.

You can also read more about Moe Norman at these websites.

• My Close Personal Friend Moe Norman (My Usual Game: David Owen)
• Best of Dirt: Moe Norman (Secret in the Dirt Blog)
• Murray "Moe" Norman "The King of Swing" (Paul Luvera Blog)

Perhaps Moe Norman might have become one of the greatest golfers in history if he had the appropriate supports for his disability, but what he did accomplish was amazing in itself. His life is an example to others that people with autism can excel at sports, including golf. Like many individuals with autism, Moe was a happy person. Moe Norman's own words may describe how he would want to be remembered by the golfing public and the autism community. "Hope and fear, hope and fear, that's how people play golf. Not me. No, not me. I see happiness. I see happiness (Bradley S. Klein, Golf Week)." 

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Wyatt Iles

Autism Light #351 is Wyatt Iles.

Wyatt Iles is 12 years old and from Claremont, California. He was born on August 24, 2001 and diagnosed with autism at age 2. He started playing golf at age 4 and has excelled as a junior golfer. Wyatt Iles is an Autism Light for his dedication and achievements as a student and golfer that set an example for others with autism and raise autism awareness.

Student: Wyatt Iles told Autism Light that he gets straight A's and maintains a 4.0 Grade Point Average. He especially likes mathematics and has been in advanced math classes. Although he will only be in eighth grade in the 2014-2015 school year, he will get the honor of going to Claremont High School to take Pre-Calculus for his math class ahead of his peers.

Special Olympics:  Wyatt got his debut as a golfer with the Special Olympics of Southern California. They have helped Wyatt be successful and as his skills grew he has competed in tournaments outside of the Special Olympics.

Quote: Wyatt told Autism Light that he feels this about autism:

"Autism is a label. Autistic or not, nobody can become talented at anything, without hard work and dedication. Be who you are, and strive to become who you want to be (Wyatt Iles)."

The following is a video about Wyatt's journey with autism and inspirational accomplishments. It includes an interview with Wyatt's father, Luther Iles.


Golf Achievements: Wyatt Iles was one of 18 kids in USA to be picked to be on the Tiger Woods Foundation National Junior Golf Team in 2013. Members of this team are selected based on golf ability, academic excellence, and under representation in the P.G.A. In 2013 he competed in the Callaway Junior Golf World Championship Tournament in San Diego, California. He also won a qualifying golf tournament, and will compete in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship Tournament to be held July 19-24, 2014 at the PGA Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Wyatt Iles maintains a 7.9 golf handicap index (GHIN: 9729114).

Here is a news story by ABC7 News on Wyatt Iles' inspirational accomplishments.


Wyatt's Coach: Jay Lim, who is Wyatt's golf coach said, "If they find any interest at all, hey, nurture it, because look at what can happen. This is a great story, not just for golf, but for autism as a whole (ABC7).

Twitter: You can follow Wyatt Iles on Twitter @wyatt_iles.

Advice to Parents: Wyatt Iles had this valuable advice for parents that he told Autism Light.

I would encourage any parent of a child newly diagnosed with autism, to understand as much as they can about this disability. It does mean their child will likely face many challenges; however, with work, any challenge can be overcome. Many, including myself, diagnosed with autism have difficulty effectively communicating. It would be wise not to misinterpret this as a sign of low intelligence. I would encourage parents to actively seek out early autism intervention therapies, but equally discover and encourage your children to pursue the things they like. Most with autism have a limited field of interest, but many people do not realize the absolute passion autistic individuals have for things they find interesting. On that note, I would also suggest trying to avoid video games if possible, because I know from personal experience, they can easily become an addiction that can distract from your real goals in life. I have found my interests to be both golf and mathematics. It is likely they will both play defining roles in developing my future (Wyatt Iles, Email to Autism Light on 7/5/2014).

Future Plans: Wyatt Iles has a dream to be able to become a scratch golfer, and play golf professionally like the late Moe Norman (1929-2004), who is thought to be the only person with autism to date to play golf professionally.

Special thanks to Wyatt Iles for being an example to other students with autism. His dedication and success in golf is lighting the way for others with autism to consider golf as a sport. We wish Wyatt all the best in his endeavors. Something tells us the autism community and the world will be hearing more from him in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photos in this post were used with permission of Wyatt Iles.

Cliff Kresge

Autism Light #335 is Cliff Kresge.

Cliff Kresge is a 45 year old professional golfer and an autism father. Cliff Kresge's 13 year old son Mason has autism. Cliff Kresge has homes in both Heathrow, Florida and Kingsport, Tennessee.  The headquarters of Kresge's Krew Foundation is in Kingsport, Tennnessee and proceeds benefit autism in East Tennessee, which has fewer autism resources than Florida. Cliff Kresge is an Autism Light for his dedication as an autism father and for how his golfing and charitable work makes a difference for autism in East Tennessee.

Golfer: Cliff Kresge states on his website that, "I got started in golf at age 8 when my parents moved to the 13th hole of Dubsdread GC in Orlando, FL. My swing is natural. I learned to play the game on my own, without an instructor (Cliff Kresge.Net)." Kresge turned pro in 1991 and made his PGA debut in 1994. You can view his golfing statistics at his page on ESPN. Cliff Kresge was the winner of the 2002 Virginia Beach Open.

Golf Week Magazine Father of the Year: In 2011 Cliff Kresge was honored as the Father of the Year by Golf Week Magazine.

Kresge's Krew Foundation:  Cliff Kresge started Kresge's Krew Foundation in honor of his son Mason. Kresge said, "My son inspired us to do our foundation. It's a bittersweet thing, but it is very gratifying and very rewarding (Knox News, August 20, 2012)."

"Kresge's Krew Foundation has raised some $350,000 over the past five years for autism care in East Tennessee (PGATour.com, Jeff Shain, April 24, 2013)." Cliff Kresge said, "Every little bit helps. It doesn't go far enough, I promise you. But to me, awareness is the biggest thing (PGATour.com, Jeff Shain, April 24, 2013)."

Find out more information about Kresge's Krew Foundation on their Website.

The following is a video of Cliff Kresge explaining about the third year of the Kresge's Krew Tourney for Autism Awareness that was held in September, 2011.


After a fundraising event in 2010, Kresge said, "My message with an event like this is that autism isn't some sort of death sentence--autism is something you can function with if you get the proper help. I've learned to appreciate what I have in my life, because I've learned some kids don't have a choice in how their lives go (Golf Week.com, Jeff Babineau, September 16, 2010)."

Social Media: You can follow Cliff Kresge on the following social media areas.

• Twitter @CliffKresge
• Facebook Page for Kresge's Krew Foundation

Wikipedia:  You can learn more about Cliff Kresge on the Cliff Kresge Wikipedia Page.
Website: Visit the official Cliff Kresge Website for more information on his activities.

Special thanks to Cliff Kresge for being an Autism Light. The blessing he is providing to the autism community in East Tennessee is impacting many lives. We wish him the best in all his autism awareness and his ongoing roll as one of our super autism fathers.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Elijah Winfrey

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Autism Light Classic 
Updated on January 12, 2016.

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Autism Light #334 is Elijah Winfrey.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 2014 we honored a golfer and autism uncle who like the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is using service as his road to make a difference in the world and to shine a light for autism. Elijah (Eli) Winfrey is a now 42 year old autism uncle and golfer from Redmond, Washington. He is married to Lisa Winfrey and has one son Jordan Andrew Winfrey. Elijah's nephew and niece, who are from his birthplace of Augusta, Georgia, have autism. Elijah Winfrey is an Autism Light because he raises autism awareness, in honor of his autistic nephew and niece, through his leadership at the Seattle Children's Autism Guild, his golfing, and his non profit organization called Team Winfrey.

Elijah Winfrey

This post is our 3rd annual feature to honor someone who is an Autism Light in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Previous people selected for this significant day were:

• Joshua Bennett (2013)
• King Richard (2012) 

Autism Light believes that if Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had seen the high rates of autism in his day he would been an autism advocate and might have even added to his "I have a Dream" speech a line such as, "I have a dream that little children with autism will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the eloquence of their communication but by the messages of their heart."

Inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.

A quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. that adds insight into the vision that Eli Winfrey follows in his life is when King said, "Everybody can be great...because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't need to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. And you can be that servant (The King Center Archives, "The Drum Major Instinct", Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2/4/1968).

Eli Winfrey wrote a blog on Martin Luther King, Jr. day in 2012 and said, "As Martin Luther King Jr. said,...You don't have to be famous to be great or to serve. We are all great and we all have a calling to serve whatever it is we believe in. I'm no pro golfer or celebrity with access to millions of people, but if I can spark that one person to stand up and help me, then I know many will follow (Eli Winfrey Blog, Making a Difference, 1/20/2012).

Eli Winfrey said this to Autism Light about autism, "Autism affects 1 in 50 children and it grows every day. We have to all sit down together and continue to figure out ways to help our communities and continue to raise awareness. At the end of the day we are all in this together. We also have to listen, educate and never forget about the moms and dads who also need us."

Golf

Golf Tour: Elijah Winfrey golfs competitively on tour with the Golf Channel. He says that in 2016 he will play in 12 events including Las Vegas and for the first time playing in Florida. He says, "My game is still in the process of getting better (Eli Winfrey Blog, New Year New Goals, 1/1/2016)."  Eli Winfrey told Autism Light that, "The main reason I play golf is to raise awareness for and about Autism. I feel like I represent the autism community whenever I tee it up."

Elijah Winfrey Open Invitational Golf Tournament: Elijah Winfrey started the Elijah Winfrey Open Invitational Golf Tournament to raise support for autism. His 2016 golf tournament is planned for August 18, 2016.

Charitable Causes

Team Winfrey: On January 20, 2012, Elijah Winfrey founded the charity, Team Winfrey. It was launched to "contribute to the health and happiness of our communities by making a personal, meaningful impact on individuals and families (Team Winfrey Facebook Page)." Elijah Winfrey serves as the President of Team Winfrey. In addition to the Elijah Winfrey Open Invitational Golf Tournament, the charity does events like a sensory friendly bowling night, a golf clinic, and distribution of essential supplies to low income and homeless families in Seattle. In 2016, Elijah plans to offer two scholarships to help individuals with autism receive tutoring that will help them graduate from high school. Stay in touch with the charity work at The Team Winfrey Website.

Please support my organization @TeamWinfreyCorp as we have started our summer donation drive to help the homeless. pic.twitter.com/anULRKSlHW

— Elijah Winfrey (@Eli_Winfrey) June 24, 2015

Miracle League of Vancouver, Washington: Elijah Winfrey helps out the Miracle League of Vancouver, Washington and plans to provide scholarships for children to play baseball who can't afford the sign up fees.

Seattle Children's Autism Guild: Eli Winfrey is the former Vice-President of the Seattle Children's Autism Guild. He continues to work with them but left his position as Vice-President in order to devote more time to his Team Winfrey organization. A gala event in November, 2013, that Eli worked with raised over $400,000 for the Seattle Children's Autism Guild. Their website describes their work in this way:

The Seattle Children's Autism Guild formed to support the Seattle Children's Autism Center's efforts to eliminate barriers to care and to ensure families have access to diagnostic and clinical services. As part of our efforts to support The Autism Center, we strive to foster hope in those families affected by autism (Seattle Children's Autism Guild Website). 

Autism Speaks: Elijah Winfrey has raised funds for Autism Speaks over the years through his golfing and in walking fundraisers, and thus his support of autism service is not limited to his local community but extends to national efforts under the leadership of Autism Speaks.

Make a Wish Foundation: Elijah Winfrey has been a volunteer for the Make a Wish Foundation in Alaska and Washington State. Eli Winfrey was interviewed for an article for the charity called, "What does the Number 23 Mean to You" (Make a Wish Foundation, 8/15/2013).

Talkin Autism with Lisa and Eli: Eli Winfrey has been the co-host of Talkin Autism With Lisa and Eli. You can access episodes of previous shows of Talking Autism on BlogTalkRadio.com.

Website: Be sure and visit the Elijah Winfrey website at www.elijahwinfrey.com to learn more about his work. On his website you can learn about autism and golfing, as well as read his blog.

Social Media: You can follow Elijah Winfrey on the following social media areas.

• Facebook Page of Team Winfrey
• Google+ Page for Elijah Winfrey
• Instagram of Eli Winfrey
• Twitter for Elijah Winfrey @Eli_Winfrey
• Twitter for Team Winfrey Corp @TeamWinfreyCorp
• Elijah Winfrey's YouTube Channel

Special thanks to Elijah Winfrey for being an Autism Light. The legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. will live on in perpetuity as long as individuals like Elijah Winfrey commit their lives to service. And the burden of autism will be lighter for many when like Elijah Winfrey our service is dedicated to autism. We expect to continue to hear exciting things in the future about the impact of Elijah Winfrey's service for autism. 

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photo in this post of Elijah Winfrey was used with permission of Elijah Winfrey.
The photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. in this post is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia and is from the National Archives and Records Administration.

Ernie and Liezl Els

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on July 22, 2012.

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Autism Light #66 is Ernie and Liezl Els.

Ernie and Liezl Els have a son named Ben who has autism. Ernie Els was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ernie and Liezl currently live in Jupiter, Florida. They also have lived in London, England. Ernie and Liezl Els are Autism Lights because of their establishment of the Els for Autism Foundation and their ongoing advocacy for autism.

Ernie is a professional golfer who is known as the "Big Easy".  In 1986, Ernie Els was the youngest player to win the South African Amateur. There is now a Ernie Els SA Primary School Championship.  His career has been marked with consistent excellence. In 2011 he was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Ernie Els' PGA tour page lists his current career statistics.

2012 British Open Win:  On July 22, 2012, Ernie Els won the British Open. The Golf Channel.com said, "Remarkably, Els now has won majors in three decades, and it is his fourth major championship overall. He moved to No. 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking (Golf Channel, July 22, 2012)."

ESPNmedia Video: The following ESPNmedia video tells the story of Ernie Els and his family's story of autism, which they call "A Father's Love".

Els for Autism Foundation:  In 2009 Ernie and Liezl Els formed the Els for Autism Foundation to make a difference for autism. The Els For Autism Foundation is currently on a mission to raise $30 million to complete The Center for Excellence. According to their website, the following is the vision for The Center of Excellence:

It will focus on a global digital learning platform that will give children on the spectrum around the world access to best practices in education and therapy. It will also connect the international autism community with best practices and the latest information and research. The first of its kind Center will also have an on-site education facility, medical and professional services, research and transition to adulthood.

The Els gave $6 million of their own money towards the campaign and are also working hard to raise the remaining need. The following is a PGA Tour video about Ernie Els' fundraising cause. Ernie Els concludes the video by saying, "We have to believe that anything is possible. That it is possible to find a cure and we will find a way of a better life for kids and families living with autism. I don't know if one day I'm going to be remembered as a golfer or a guy that's actually taken autism to the public, and I like the later."
Els for Autism Golf Challenge:  One of the primary ways money is raised for the Els for Autism Foundation is through the Els for Autism Golf Challenge. The challenge consists of 30 regional events with the finals for this year's event to be held October 19-20, 2012 in LasVegas, Nevada. The event has become the world's largest charity golf tournament. Els for Autism Mountain Climbing:  Liezl and her daughter Samantha climbed Killimanjaro (the largest mountain in Africa) to raise money for the Els for Autism Foundation.  A blog on their efforts is at this link. Autism Speaks Public Service Announcement:  The following PSA from Autism Speaks features Ernie Els.
For more information about Ernie Els visit these websites.

• Ernie Els Wikipedia Page
• Els Foundation for Autism Website

You can also follow Ernie Els on this Social Media.

• Twitter@TheBig_Easy
• Facebook for Ernie Els
• YouTube of Ernie Els

Special thanks to Ernie and Liezl Els for being Autism Lights and responding to your son Ben's diagnosis of autism by creating an autism foundation that can benefit thousands of children around the world. Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. Photo: The Photo of Ernie Els is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia and is attributed to SD Dirk.

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This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.