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Charity Denies Rumours of Rory McIlroy Masters Winnings Donation
A Northern Irish charity has refuted circulating speculation that golfing sensation Rory McIlroy purportedly gifted his entire Masters Tournament winnings to their organisation. The celebrated athlete recently secured a career Grand Slam victory on Sunday, triumphing over Justin Rose in a captivating playoff at Augusta National to finally claim the coveted green jacket. This significant win earned the 35-year-old a substantial prize of $4,200,000 (£3.1m).
Rumours of Donation to Mencap NI
Following his Masters triumph, online speculation arose, suggesting McIlroy had generously pledged his considerable prize money to Mencap, an organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives. Similar conjecture also surfaced after his Players’ Championship victory the previous month, where he secured $4.5m.
Mencap NI Statement Clarifies
However, Mencap NI addressed the rumours in a statement issued on Wednesday, explicitly stating that these claims are “not accurate.”
Mencap Expresses Gratitude for McIlroy’s Support
Jackie O’Sullivan, Executive Director of Strategy at Mencap, acknowledged McIlroy’s past contributions, stating: “Rory McIlroy has been a steadfast supporter of Mencap, notably contributing to the construction of our children’s centre in Belfast several years ago.”
O’Sullivan further clarified: “However, we wish to confirm that reports indicating he donated winnings from a recent tournament to Mencap are incorrect.”
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Despite the donation rumour being untrue, Mencap reiterated their appreciation: “We remain profoundly thankful for his ongoing generosity and dedication to our cause, and extend our congratulations on his recent successes.”
McIlroy’s Long-Standing Charitable Commitment
Beyond his achievements on the golf course, McIlroy is recognised for his significant philanthropic efforts, including a substantial £500,000 donation to Mencap through the Rory Foundation. This contribution in 2016 was instrumental in establishing the Mencap Centre in Belfast.
Impact of Rory Foundation Donation on Mencap Centre
The Mencap Centre, inaugurated in March 2016, was made possible in part by McIlroy’s donation, forming a crucial component of Mencap NI’s largest fundraising initiative, the Big Step Forward Appeal. McIlroy personally visited the centre during a trip to Northern Ireland.
Gratitude for McIlroy’s Contribution
Margaret Kelly, then director of Mencap Northern Ireland, expressed her enthusiasm during McIlroy’s visit to the new facilities. She conveyed her appreciation, noting: “It was wonderful to show Rory around the Mencap Centre, and all the children and families present were delighted to meet him. The £500,000 donation from the Rory Foundation was critical to the success of our Big Step Forward Appeal, enabling us to reach our £1.7 million goal.”
Mencap Centre’s Positive Impact
Kelly further elaborated on the centre’s positive influence: “Now operational, the Mencap Centre is transforming the lives of children with learning disabilities attending our nursery. It also serves as a valuable resource and meeting place for young individuals and adults with learning disabilities, along with their families.”
“The Rory Foundation played a significant role in making this vital centre a reality, and we are immensely grateful to Rory and his team for their generosity,” Kelly concluded.