A total of 559 players took part in this year’s Nedbank for Autism Series, which saw Kiewiet Dreyer from Mariental walk away victorious after beating nine other qualifiers with a total score of 44 points at the final.
The 2022 edition of the series concluded on 18 November after a 10-round golf tour across the country.
The series, which is aimed at creating awareness for the Autism Association of Namibia raised a whopping N$296 000 from pledges and donations made during the course of the series, and an additional N$24 000 donated by guests at the official prize giving ceremony held at the Nedbank Campus. Since its inception in 2019, the Nedbank for Autism Series has raised over N$656 000, for the Autism Association of Namibia.
This year’s edition commenced in February at Omeya Golf club and made nine other stops at Gobabis, Oranjemund, Tsumeb, Mariental, Oshakati, Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Walvis Bay, and Windhoek golf courses.
Delivering the welcoming remarks at the prize giving ceremony, Nedbank Namibia’s executive Biniam Ghirmatsion stated that Nedbank Namibia has for the past three years been dedicated to sponsoring the Autism Series as part of solving challenges in society.
“The Nedbank Autism Golf Series created a platform to enhance awareness of the needs of people living with autism across the country. As part of the programme over the years, one and two-day courses have been offered countrywide to create understanding and acceptance through teaching, training, and networking to improve knowledge within the greater society and to foster participation on all levels,” he said.
Ghirmatsion added that events such as the Nedbank for Autism Golf Series have a significant and long-lasting impact on families.
Petra Dillmann, director at the Autism Association of Namibia, narrated her appreciation to Nedbank Namibia, DZ Golf, and all the sponsors and donors who aided in making the Nedbank for Autism Series a success.
“We are incredibly grateful to be selected by Nedbank and DZ Golf with the support of all the sponsors and golfers, who donated prizes and made this three-year project such an immense success. The series has given the Autism Association of Namibia the opportunity to reach out to the whole country. This was a bonus as it enabled us to meet the communities and find out what is needed on the ground,” she mentioned.
She also stated that in 2023, the association will continue with its project of making resources from recyclables in various communities.
Co-sponsors for the 2022 Nedbank for Autism Series included M+Z Motors, AfricaOnline, ComputerKit Namibia, Engen Namibia, Imperial, Gondwana Collection Namibia, Safintra Roofing, Taeuber & Corssen, Pupkewitz Megabuild, Zebra Trailers, and Future Media.