July 7, 2016 | Blog, Press Release
The Els for Autism Foundation and Keiser University Partner Up
Golf Students to Learn Best Practices for Effectively Teaching Autistic Learners
(West Palm Beach, FL – July 7, 2016) Keiser University College of Golf (KUCOG) students look forward to gaining insight from representatives from the Els for Autism Foundation on Thursday, July 7th from 8am – 11am.
The #GameON Autism™ Golf program is designed to relay the many benefits the game of golf can offer autistic learners. Lead by Jen Hong, #GameON Autism™ Sports Coordinator and Dr. Kerri Morse, Adult Services Coordinator, the lessons serve as an additional tool in empowering golf professionals to reach out to a large population of individuals who are underserved in recreational sports.
“We are delighted to share best practices with Keiser University College of Golf students which will enable them to effectively infuse important social communication skills into every lesson for individuals with autism,” said Hong. “Being a repetition based game, that offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere and is both a solo and a social sport, golf provides a great opportunity for those with autism to enter the athletic world,” she said.
Keiser students will also learn more about summer after school and adult program volunteer activities, and have an opportunity to attend a workshop at the The Els Center of Excellence Golf Facility the next day.
“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity for our KUCOG students to gain critical knowledge and skills of how to work with golfers with autism spectrum disorder. Our students will be able to teach a new population of golfers and help grow the game as they move into the golf industry upon graduation,” said Dr. Eric Wilson, a PGA Master Professional and Executive Director of Golf Operations for Keiser University’s College of Golf and Sport Management.
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About the Els for Autism Foundation
The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els to focus on the issue of autism. The Els’ son, Ben, is profoundly impacted by the disorder which affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S. For the last four years, the world class pro golfer and his wife have devoted their efforts to a catalytic philanthropic project – The Els Center of Excellence. The first of its kind, The Els Center of Excellence will focus on a digital e- learning platform that gives children on the spectrum around the world access to best practices in education and therapy. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research. The 26-acre facility will have on-site education for 300 students ages 3-21 years old, medical and professional services, research, transition to adulthood, adult living and on-site job training. The Foundation has launched a capital campaign to raise $30 million to finance the facility; the Els’ have committed $6 million of their own money. For information, please visit www.ElsforAutism.org or connect with us on Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube ▪ LinkedIn
Media Contact:
Jackie Gilliland, Marketing Associate
561-320-9515
Jackie.gilliland@elsforautism.org
About Keiser University
Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university in Florida offering career-focused undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online. At the Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management, we’re uniquely dedicated to helping students prepare for an exciting and rewarding future.
Media Contact:
Suzi McCreery, Director of Public & Media Relations
smccreery@keiseruniversity.edu
