McIlroy sets up charitable foundation

15:21, 10 Jan 2013

Rory McIlroy has set up his own foundation to help children's charities around the world.

Northern Ireland's world number one, in Dubai preparing for next week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, said in a statement: "When I was younger my parents sacrificed everything to allow me to play the game I love.

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

"My aim is that the Rory Foundation will support children's charities big and small, around the world, that try to give kids that helping hand."

For each of the first six tournaments the 23-year-old plays during the first four months of 2013, his bag will carry the name and logo of a children's charity and will be auctioned.

The first next week is the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC), whose chief executive officer Gillian Cleery said: "We are so proud to be the first of the six.

"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).

McIlroy is expected to confirm a staggering 10-year sponsorship deal with Nike next Monday worth a reported €184m.