The Challenge Tour players at the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic are helping an initiative which is raising awareness of autism in Oman, by wearing autism puzzle pin badges at the prestigious tournament this week.
The initiative is driven by National Bank of Oman, supported by the European Challenge Tour who helped source the autism awareness pin badges with the support of Ernie Els’ Foundation, Els for Autism which aims to increase knowledge of the disorder in Oman and worldwide.
Steve Johnson, the course superintendent at Almouj Golf, The Wave Muscat, set the ball rolling on the tournament initiative after his son was diagnosed with the developmental disorder, which affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. It is estimated that Autism affects one in 100 children in Oman.
Johnson suggested the idea of offering all players the opportunity to wear the jigsaw design pin badges throughout the week to give a very visual boost to the efforts to raise awareness on a local and national scale for organisation such as the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities.
The second round co-leader Byeong-hun An was joined by Humayun Kabir, General Manager, Wholesale Banking, National Bank of Oman, Nasser Al Hajri, Chief Human Resources Officer at National Bank of Oman and Johnson for a photo-shoot outside the VIP Pavilian at Almouj to promote the campaign.
“The National Bank of Oman is always pleased to support local Omani charities,” said Kabir. “The fact that we can use this marquee event of ours to promote and support this worthy cause in helping local Omanis with autism is an added bonus for the National Bank of Oman Golf Classic.”
Johnson, who has organised a Golf Fore Autism charity event for November 12th at Almouj Golf, said: “It’s about how we can help other people. I’m in a fortunate position working with the Challenge Tour and to be in a position to help raise awareness.
“It’s great to see the autism pins being worn, we appreciate that the National Bank of Oman Classic is a great opportunity to raise awareness of autism in Oman through the support of National Bank of Oman, European Challenge Tour, players and officials.
“We are organising a golf day with proceeds raised benefiting the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities in Oman.
People are starting to recognise different types of developmental conditions and early diagnosis and intervention is the key so our goal is to make it easier for others, that’s the big thing.
Make a donation for Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities here:http://www.donate.om/DonationsPortal/Pages/Page.aspx?NID=3483
Learn more about the condition and the Els for Autism foundation here:http://www.elsforautism.com/
For information on the Golf Fore Autism Charity event, contact Steve Johnson: steven@almoujgolf.com
