Athletes Against Autism
Athletes Against Autism
May 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRO ATHLETES HELP DRIVE AUTISM CLOSER TO A CURE AT THE INAUGURAL CANADA ATHLETES AGAINST AUTISM GOLF TOURNAMENT AUGUST 10 - 11
Current & Former NHL Stars including Olie Kolzig, Scott Mellanby, Byron DaFoe, Mike Vernon, Chuck Kobasew and Todd Simpson are Among Those Expected to Tee Off in Support of Autism Awareness and Research
Kelowna, British Columbia (May 23, 2008) — Current and former professional athletes from around the sports world will join sponsors, volunteers and supporters from the Kelowna, British Columbia community at the inaugural Athletes Against Autism Golf Tournament on August 10 - 11 at the Harvest Lake Golf Club to help raise awareness and funds for autism research. This fundraiser is hosted by Athletes Against Autism — a group of athletes devoted to making a positive impact for families affected by autism — and its parent organization, Autism Speaks - an autism advocacy organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for autism research.
The Grand Okanagan Resort will host a kick-off gala on Sunday, August 10. The evening will include a cocktail hour, dinner and silent auction featuring exclusive sports memorabilia and unique vacation packages. The next day, golfers will be partnered with a current or former professional athlete for a round of golf at the Harvest Lake Golf Club. The festivities will be highlighted by a number of contests, including a hole-in-one challenge, followed by dinner and an awards reception.
Lead Sponsors include Pareto Platform and Mission Hill Winery. For more information about participating in the golf tournament and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.athletesagainstautism.org or contact Sam Levitt at slevitt@autismspeaks.org or 
(323) 549-0500
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ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS CANADA
Autism Speaks Canada is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC for more than twenty years. Since 1998, the autism community in Canada has benefited significantly from the leadership of the founding organization in the United States in all areas of activity including research support, fund raising, advocacy and public awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
ABOUT AUTISM
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.