NATIONAL CELEBRITY - Autistic sports hero scores big for Flutie Foundation (video in story) click here view on patriotledger.com
Jason McElwain, the autistic youth who became a national celebrity after scoring 20 points in the final four minutes of his last high school basketball game, waves from a cart he is riding in with his dad, David McElwain. (GARY HIGGINS/The Patriot Ledger) |
By RYAN MENARD
The Patriot Ledger
PLYMOUTH - To make sure their latest charity golf tournament would win big for autism research, the Brait Builders Open invited a proven high scorer.
Jason McElwain, whose 20-point triumph in the last four minutes of his only basketball game appearance last year inspired players and advocates across the country, stopped by Pinehills Golf Course on Friday to try his hand at golf and raise awareness for autism research.
For his achievement, the young man, who is autistic, has received many awards, including an ESPY from ESPN for ‘‘Best Sports Moment.’’
‘‘I like golf, plus to help raise awareness for autism,’’ said ‘‘J-Mac’’ McElwain, 20, of Athens, N.Y. ‘‘The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation is a great foundation, it’s a great charity.’’
Friday’s tournament, sponsored by Brait Builders Corp. of Marshfield, raised more than $50,000, organizers said. The seventh annual charity run for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, it will have raised more than $250,000.
Michele Brait and her husband Robert Brait helped organize the event in honor of their 10-year-old son Jack, who suffers from the developmental disorder.
‘‘It’s all about awareness and I think everyone needs to be more aware,’’ said Robert Brait.
In addition to playing in a field that included McElwain and Flutie, the 320 golfers in attendance learned about autism at each hole.
The Flutie Foundation funds research and awareness and offers services and programs to families of children with autism.
McElwain had some borrowed advice for his fans.
‘‘As Magic Johnson would say, ‘If you don’t dream it, you can’t become it.’’’
Ryan Menard may be reached at rmenard@ledger.com
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