Press Release: Sports Legacy Institute to Honor WWE

The Sports Legacy issued the following press release today…

Annual Boston event raises funds for concussion advocacy, awareness, education, and research, and recognizes individuals and organizations committed to solving the concussion crisis

The Sports Legacy Institute (SLI) will honor global entertainment company WWE with the 2013 Impact Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their commitment to solving the concussion epidemic.

The award will be presented at the 6th Annual Impact Awards dinner on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at the Boston Harbor Hotel and accepted by Stephanie McMahon, Executive Vice President, Creative, WWE and Paul Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events, WWE.

WWE is being recognized for its commitment to brain trauma research as well as its commitment to concussion education. In 2013, WWE gave a $1.2 million gift to SLI to launch a new three-year research program led by Boston University researchers Ann McKee, MD and Lee Goldstein, MD, PhD aimed at developing a treatment for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with brain trauma and known to affect athletes, military veterans, and others who suffer brain trauma. SLI is a Boston-based non-profit organization founded by Dr. Robert Cantu and Chris Nowinski to advance the study, treatment, and prevention of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups.

WWE has also collaborated with SLI to educate WWE performers about concussion education. Every WWE Superstar and Diva has been required to attend a SLI "Conquering Concussions" seminar led by SLI executive director and former WWE Superstar Chris Nowinski, aimed at preventing concussions and increasing the reporting of concussions when they do occur.

"Our partnership with SLI is a key component of WWE's talent health and wellness program," said Paul Levesque. "Talent is the only natural resource that WWE has, and we are committed to their well-being."

The Impact Awards will be hosted by Jim Braude, host of New England Cable News (NECN) show "BroadSide" and co-host of Boston Public Radio on WGBH. Current and former professional athletes will also be in attendance, including a number of former New England Patriots including Joe Andruzzi and Pete Brock. The 6th Annual Impact Awards are presented by the Mintz Levin, Trinity Partners, the Andlinger Family and Carol Quimby-Bonan and the Bonan Family.

Last year's Impact Awards gathered over 250 attendees, athletes, and distinguished guests from across the country and raised more than $260,000 to support concussion advocacy, awareness, education, and research. Prior honorees include The Ivy League, the NFL, Dr. Ann McKee, and athletes Ted Johnson, Micky Ward, Keith Primeau, and Kevin Turner of the Kevin Turner Foundation.