ESPN Announces Ernie Els as a Finalist for the Sports Humanitarian Award

ESPN will honor individuals and teams for their contributions to humanitarian causes at a ceremony July 11 at L.A. Live.

Laila Ali will host the Sports Humanitarian Awards, which will now have one of its honors named after her father, Muhammad Ali. Golfer Ernie Els, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Flames defenseman Mark Giordano and Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson have been nominated for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.   Read the full article on ESPN.

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From the press release:
The Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award recognizes an athlete whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a positive impact on their community through sports. The winner will be able to direct a $100,000 grant from ESPN to the qualified charity related to the award-winning humanitarian efforts. The finalists will be able to direct a $25,000 grant to the charity related to their award-winning efforts.

Ernie Els: In 2009, Ernie Els and his wife Liezl established the Els for Autism Foundation shortly after their son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism. The Els have donated millions of their own money, and through dedicated fundraising they opened the first components of The Els Center of Excellence. The Center, based in Jupiter, Fla., serves the local, national and international autism communities and is game-changing resource in the field. To date, his programs have served over 3,647 individuals with Autism and their families from 13 countries, focusing on education, global outreach, therapy, research, recreation and adult services. Els’ programs extend to the links as well with his innovative Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program, which encourages participants to learn golf skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts including communication, emotional regulation, motor and social skills.  Read the full press release.

Media Inquiries:

Contact: Pamela A. Minelli  at pam.minelli@elsforautism.org

Office: 561-320-9528