Rory McIlroy and UNICEF in Global Partnership

NEW YORK, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rory McIlroy and UNICEF today announced a major extension of their global partnership as Rory McIlroy unveiled his new golf bag featuring the UNICEF logo on the front.

In addition to his UNICEF-branded bag, Rory will continue to support UNICEF's work for children across the world as an Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland.  Rory McIlroy will use his new bag competitively for the first time at the 2012 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

"When an organization like UNICEF needs your help to change the future for young people across the world, you jump at the opportunity to get involved," said McIlroy. "I am very fortunate to have a fantastic group of supporters worldwide who I hope will care as much as I do about the survival and development of the children who need our help the most."

"A branding position became available on my bag and I knew right away that UNICEF was the correct fit," continued McIlroy. "I try to help out whenever I can, and I saw this as an opportunity to give UNICEF some added exposure and hopefully increase awareness for such a great cause."

"I made my first UNICEF field visit to Haiti last June and that was a real eye opener for me," said McIlroy. "The everyday things that we take for granted are so longed for in places like Haiti. Nothing could prepare me for meeting the children there and I was truly amazed by how happy they were. I am currently in discussions with UNICEF about making another field trip later this year, but we are yet to decide when or where that will be."

"This extraordinary gesture by Rory McIlroy will help generate so much more awareness and support for UNICEF across the world," said Peter Power, Executive Director UNICEF Ireland. "Through this partnership, Rory is showing how sport can be a powerful and positive force for children. This is a highly valued donation from Rory to UNICEF and we are very thankful to him for his continued support."

Today's announcement coincides with a worldwide appeal by UNICEF for the children of the Sahel region of West and Central Africa.  Right now, more than one million children living in eight countries across the Sahel belt are at risk of dying from severe acute malnutrition. UNICEF urgently needs support to scale up its emergency programs throughout the region to save children's lives.  Donations can be made at www.unicefusa.org.

Rory was appointed a National Ambassador for UNICEF Ireland in March 2011. Currently ranked number two in the world, 22 year-old McIlroy became the World Number One golfer on March 4, 2012, when he won the PGA Tour's Honda Classic.  This was Rory's fifth official win since turning professional in September 2007.  On June 19, 2011, McIlroy secured his first Major title by winning the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.  He was also a member of the victorious 2010 European Ryder Cup Team.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in more than 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.

UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress: the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from more than 12 million in 1990 to 7.6 million in 2010. But still, 21,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF