Nedbank for Autism Series 2022 raises N$ 320 000 for the Autism Association of Namibia

The 2022 edition of the Nedbank for Autism Series concluded on Friday, 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$24 000 donated by guests at the official prizegiving ceremony held at the Nedbank Campus. Since its inception in 2019, the Nedbank for Autism Series has raised over N$ 656 000, for the Autism Association of Namibia.

This year’s edition of the Nedbank for Autism Series commenced in February at Omeya Golf club, and made nine other stops to Gobabis, Oranjemund, Tsumeb, Mariental, Oshakati, Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Walvis Bay, and Windhoek golf courses. A total of 559 players took part in this year’s series, which saw Kiewiet Dreyer from Mariental becoming victorious after beating nine other qualifiers with a total score of 44 points at the final.

Delivering the welcoming remarks at the prizegiving ceremony was Nedbank Namibia’s Executive for Private Wealth and Bancassurance, Biniam Ghirmatsion, who stated that Nedbank Namibia has for the past three years dedicated to sponsor the Autism Series as part of solving challenges in our 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. Petra Dillmann, Director at the Autism Association of Namibia, shared that in some instances, the participants traveled 250 kilometres or more to join the courses,” he said.

“Events such as the Nedbank for Autism Golf Series have a significant and long-lasting impact on families in our communities. There has been excellent brand equity built up since the inaugural events, and we wish to see the series continue strengthening both its impact in our communities and influence in the future,” concluded Ghirmatsion.

Dillmann 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,” Dillmann mentioned.

She also stated that in 2023, the association will continue with its project of making resources from recyclables in the various communities.?

?In his vote of thanks, series organizer, Dan Zwiebel, from DZ Golf thanked the Nedbank Namibia team, the co-sponsors, the golfers, and golf club owners who made the event a success.

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.