(Apr 18, 2008) -

Fond du Lac , Wis. Mercury Marine is proud to partner with Mercury and MotorGuide professional angler Eli Delany in support of his national autism awareness campaign.

Autism is the fastest growing disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention autism prevalence report. Over the past 25 years, the incidence of autism has risen dramatically, now affecting one in every 150 children.

Delany, a regional angler in New England, is on a personal crusade to raise awareness about autism. He is spearheading this campaign insupport of his son, Luke, age 7, who was diagnosed with autism shortly after he turned two years old. Delany believes an educated public will significantly advance the cause, resulting in earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments and increased research dollars targeted at finding a cure for autism.

Delany recently captured the attention of the fishing and boating crowd when his Autism Awareness-wrapped 21-foot Stroker bass boat powered by a Mercury 250 XS engine won Bass & Walleye Boats Magazine's "2007 Hottest Rig of the Year" award.

This year, Delany intends to host a weekly radio pod cast, spearhead a tour of sport shows with his Autism Awareness promotional booth, and distribute brochures, posters, information and resources about autism. Autism awareness materials will be distributed throughout the Bassmaster Elite Series and Eastern and Central Open tournament trails and will be available in Mercury Marine dealerships.

For more information about Delany's autism awareness campaign, please visit http://www.mylittlebuddysboat.com.

Mercury Marine and MotorGuide are proud to be the industry leaders in the promotion of autism awareness.