Corporate partners joined Play With Stephen to promote autism awareness and support centres providing diagnosis, therapy and education across Africa
LAGOS, NIGERIA — 25 AUGUST 2026 — Play With Stephen successfully concluded the seventh edition of Swing for Autism 2026, held from 21–23 August at Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate in Lagos.
The three-day tournament brought together golfers, corporate partners, autism advocates, volunteers and families around one shared purpose: using golf to raise awareness and support the autism community.
Founded by Stephen Onaivi in 2020, Swing for Autism has grown from a golf tournament into a wider advocacy platform. The initiative uses sport to start important conversations about autism and generate support for centres providing diagnosis, therapy and education to autistic individuals and their families.
Corporate Partnerships Power the Tournament
The success of Swing for Autism 2026 reflected the commitment of several organisations that contributed resources, expertise, products, services and media support.
Participating brands and partners included Olston Foundation, EBA, Simply Black, Golf GameBook, Devtraco, Guinness, Lakowe Lakes, The Wheatbaker, Mixtah Africa, The Singleton, Pepsi, Aquafina, Fortress Capital, Spur and Indomie.
GHM Luxury, MTN and RewindFM Lagos also supported the event and helped extend its message beyond the golf course.
Olston Foundation and EBA played leading roles in the planning and delivery of the tournament. Their support covered important aspects of the preparation and execution required to bring the seventh edition to life.
Golf GameBook supported tournament scoring and results, helping players and organisers follow the competition throughout the event.
Each partnership contributed to a complete tournament experience while drawing greater public attention to autism awareness and inclusion.
Golf With a Purpose Beyond Competition
Swing for Autism is built on the belief that golf can achieve more than producing winners on the course. It can bring people together, open conversations and direct attention towards causes that often receive limited public support.
Across Africa, many autistic individuals and their families continue to face difficulties accessing diagnosis, therapy, education and reliable guidance. Play With Stephen responds to this need by directing tournament proceeds to beneficiary centres already providing these essential services.
The support received from corporate partners allows the initiative to reach wider audiences and strengthen the organisations working directly with autistic individuals and their families.
By supporting Swing for Autism 2026, participating brands became part of a movement that connects sport, advocacy and community impact.
A Growing Platform for Autism Advocacy
Since its first edition in 2020, Play With Stephen has continued to expand the reach of Swing for Autism. The tournament provides a meeting point for golfers, businesses, advocates and members of the autism community who want to contribute to a more informed and inclusive society.
The 2026 edition marked another important step in that journey. It demonstrated what can happen when brands move beyond visibility and use their influence, resources and platforms to support a meaningful cause.
The tournament’s partnership story also received coverage from The Guardian Nigeria, extending its message to audiences beyond the event.
Play With Stephen thanks every sponsor, partner, golfer, volunteer, advocate and guest who contributed to the success of Swing for Autism 2026.
The tournament may have ended, but the work continues. Every partnership strengthens the mission, every conversation increases understanding and every swing helps move autism advocacy forward.
For more information about Play With Stephen and its autism advocacy initiatives, visit www.pwsgolftournament.com.
About Play With Stephen
Play With Stephen is a sports and social-impact initiative founded by Stephen Onaivi in 2020. Through its annual Swing for Autism golf tournament, the initiative raises awareness and funding for autism care across Africa. It brings golfers, corporate organisations, advocates and community leaders together in support of autism centres and the families they serve.
