McIlroy sets up charity foundation

Last updated: 10th January 2013

World number one Rory McIlroy has established his own foundation which will assist children's charities around the world.

The Ulsterman is currently in Dubai preparing for next week's week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and commented in a press release on Thursday that he hopes to help children from around the world reach their dreams.

"When I was younger my parents sacrificed everything to allow me to play the game I love," McIlroy said in the statement.

"Having that support from my family gave me the opportunity to chase my dreams. But I know that every child is not so fortunate.

For the first four months of the 2013 season, during which he will play six

tournaments, his bag will carry the logo and name of a children's charity, and will be auctioned off after the event.

The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) will be the first charity sponsored by the 23-year-old, and its chief executive officer Gillian Cleery was elated with the publicity.

"This association with Rory will not only have a significant impact on children and young people who look up to Rory and are inspired by him, but will also help to maintain Rory's very important links to Northern Ireland as he moves increasingly into a global circuit.

"Our aim is to create a brand new therapeutic centre for children and their families and any monies raised from being part of The 6 Bags Project will go towards fulfilling this dream."

The other charities are Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson (Accenture Match Play, February 20-24), Child Protection Team of the Palm Beaches (Honda Classic, February 28-March 3), First Tee Miami-Dade Amateur Golf Association (Cadillac Championship, March 7-10), Chinquapin School (Houston Open, March 28-31) and one to be announced in connection with The Masters (April 11-14).