Ernie’s long-term sponsor SAP gave up its customary spot on the front of Ernie’s hat in order to show support for Els for Autism during the RBC Heritage.
The tournament organizers had already designated Friday, April 18, as Autism Awareness Day or ‘Blue Out Day’, with players, caddies, spectators and media all being asked to wear blue and join Ernie in showing support for those affected by autism spectrum disorder. In 2013 the winner of the RBC Heritage, Graeme McDowell, wore the blue and white autism awareness ribbon pin the entire week!
This year SAP took it one step further, with the company instigating the idea to temporarily replace its logo with the Els for Autism Awareness Puzzle Piece Ribbon (pictured above) embroidered onto the front of the hat.
“Big thanks to everyone at SAP,” commented Ernie. “This was their idea and it is yet another demonstration of the fantastic level of support that they’ve shown for Els for Autism ever since Liezl and I established the Foundation in 2009. We couldn’t be more grateful to them.”
Elsewhere on the course, blue and white autism awareness ribbon pins were available to players and caddies at the 1st and 10th tees on Friday. Pins were also available to members of the media via the tournament’s Media Center. Spectators could also keep a look out for Ernie’s custom blue April autism awareness kit. Els’ signature lion headcover has turned blue for the month of April, while another of Ernie’s sponsors I-ONICS has produced a special blue charity wristband.
Added Ernie, “One of the key things we are doing this month, with the help of partners like RBC, the Heritage Foundation, Boeing, SAP and my other sponsors, is using golf as a platform to promote not only awareness, but also the importance of early detection. The earlier we can diagnose our kids and secure the help that they need, the better chance they have of leading productive and rewarding lives. So please join with us this week, and in fact throughout the month of April, to show support and help spread awareness.”
For more information visit the website: www.ElsforAutism.com/GoBlue
