Play With Stephen uses golf to raise autism awareness and encourage support for autism centres across Africa
LAGOS, NIGERIA — 25 AUGUST 2026 — Play With Stephen hosted the seventh edition of Swing for Autism 2026 at Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate in Lagos.
The event brought 69 golfers together to raise autism awareness. It also encouraged greater understanding and support for autistic people and their families.
Stephen Onaivi, founder of Play With Stephen, convened the tournament. Previous editions took place in Ghana and attracted golfers from different countries.
This year’s Lagos event continued that journey. It also helped introduce the campaign to a wider audience in Nigeria.
Using Golf to Raise Autism Awareness
Swing for Autism is more than a golf competition. It uses sport to bring people together and start important conversations about autism.
Golf creates opportunities for players, business leaders and community members to connect. Therefore, Play With Stephen uses the game to reach people who can support autism awareness.
Onaivi’s personal connection to autism also shaped the initiative. He saw golf as a practical way to draw attention to a cause that needs wider public understanding.
Sixty-nine golfers took part in the Lagos tournament. Organisers managed the number carefully to suit the capacity of the golf course.
However, the day was not only about scores or winners. Each golfer became part of a wider movement for awareness and inclusion.
Moving From Awareness to Support
For Play With Stephen, awareness is the first step. The wider goal is to turn that awareness into practical support.
“The first thing for us is awareness. The next level is to see how we support centres,” Onaivi told ATQ News.
Autism centres provide important services to autistic people and their families. These services may include diagnosis, therapy, education and family guidance.
Yet many centres need more funding, stronger partnerships and greater public attention. For this reason, Play With Stephen wants to connect them with people and organisations that can help.
The tournament gives autism centres greater visibility. In addition, it encourages golfers and business leaders to learn more about their work.
Building a Community of Informed Golfers
Play With Stephen wants golfers to become active supporters of the autism community.
Better understanding can help people challenge harmful assumptions about autism. It can also encourage more inclusive behaviour at work, at events and in the wider community.
Golfers often have access to strong professional and social networks. As a result, their support can take the autism conversation beyond the golf course.
Swing for Autism 2026 showed this idea in action. The golfers came to play, but they also supported a cause with a wider social purpose.
Growing Swing for Autism Beyond Lagos
Play With Stephen plans to hold the tournament every year. The initiative also aims to welcome more golfers into the autism awareness campaign.
Earlier editions built a strong foundation in Ghana. Now, the Lagos tournament has created another opportunity for growth across Nigeria and Africa.
Looking ahead, Play With Stephen will continue to raise awareness and build partnerships. It will also work towards stronger support for autism centres and families.
ATQ News featured Swing for Autism 2026 and highlighted how the event mobilised golfers for autism awareness.
Play With Stephen thanks every golfer, partner, volunteer and advocate who supported the seventh edition.
The tournament may be over, but the mission continues. Every conversation can increase understanding, and every partnership can create meaningful support.
For more information, visit www.pwsgolftournament.com.
About Play With Stephen
Stephen Onaivi founded Play With Stephen in 2020. The initiative uses golf to promote autism awareness and support autistic people, their families and autism centres across Africa. Its annual Swing for Autism tournament brings golfers, businesses and advocates together for a purpose greater than the game.
