Celebrate Positive announced Dec. 29 that PGA TOUR star Ernie Els has been named one of the “Top 5 Most Positive Athletes in the World” by the United Nations NGO Voting Academy comprised of United Nations NGOs, such as Rotary International, Pathways To Peace and Sister Cities International.
Autism Speaks nominated Els for the inaugural 2010 United Nations NGO Positive Peace Awards in the Professional Athlete category. This award, viewed as a 21st century peace prize, honors and recognizes individuals, businesses, athletes, sports teams, entertainers and schools around the world for their positive contributions. Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers won this year’s award.
The UN NGO Voting Academy used an established criteria of an athlete’s community involvement and impact on their community to determine this year’s finalists.
“Celebrate Positive congratulates Ernie Els for exemplifying what giving back to the community means,” said Scott Pederson, pesident and CEO ofCelebrate Positive. “Ernie is a wonderful example for all of us to follow internationally.”
Els is involved with a variety of charitable endeavors, including his participation in the Autism Speaks award-winning Ad Council public-service announcement. In addition to the PSA, which included his autistic son, Ben, Els also wore the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin during tournaments, advocated for autism during interviews and started the Els for Autism Foundation as a further cause advocation.
“His openness and advocacy has helped other parents and directed them to where they can learn more or get a diagnosis so they can get treatments”, said Dana Marnane, vice president of awareness and events at Autism Speaks. “Ernie's participation in our Ad Council campaign has helped to raise autism awareness and provides hope for parents everywhere.”
Rotary International, with more than 33,000 Clubs and 1.2 million members in more than 200 countries, serves on the United Nations NGO Voting Academy.
“We at Rotary International are honored to serve on the voting committee for the United Nations NGO Positive Peace Awards,” said RI General Secretary Ed Futa. “Every day, Rotary’s 1.2 million members address the question, How do we make our world a better place? How appropriate that these awards recognize those individuals and organizations who are asking the same question and taking the necessary steps to achieve positive change in our world.”
