Brain Injury Alliance of Washington to Present Leadership Award to NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell to Highlight 8th Annual Gala Auction & Dinner

Seattle Seahawks President Peter McLoughlin to Serve as Event's Honorary Chair

SEATTLE, Oct. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Brain Injury Alliance of Washington is pleased to announce that National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell will be attending the 8^th Annual B.I.G. Event (Brain Injury Gala) to accept the Leadership Award on behalf of the National Football League. 

The evening's theme is "Stronger Together, Celebrating 50,"  in celebration of the passage of youth concussion legislation in all 50 states. Many of these laws were modeled after Washington state's first in the nation "Zackery Lystedt Law."   It took many partners to support this momentous health & safety accomplishment, from the Lystedt family who was willing to share their story, to a small organization like BIAWA that brought together a state-wide coalition, including WIAA, Washington Youth Soccer, other key partners and our own Seattle Seahawks.  For their early and continuous support, our Honorary Chair for the evening is Mr. Peter McLoughlin, President of the Seattle Seahawks and CEO of Vulcan Entertainment.

Four years ago, Commissioner Goodell attended our 4^th Annual Gala and made a commitment to offer the NFL's support and leadership to ensure passage of youth concussion laws throughout the country.  Through the NFL's dedication and that of the 32 clubs to advocate before every state legislature and the Commissioner's willingness to contact the governor or every state that did not have a law, all the states adopted laws to protect youth athletes.

Through all of these partnerships, we truly are stronger together in keeping our youth safe when playing the sports they love.  Increasing knowledge and safety for youth sports concussions has also been key in in taking the "silent" out of the silent epidemic for all brain injuries and opening up the discussion for understanding this number one cause of both death and disability for all ages. 

"The passage of the Lystedt Law in all 50 states is an important step for all young athletes and their parents," said Commissioner Goodell.  "The Lystedts, BIAWA and others should rightfully be proud of all that they did to make the nationwide passage a reality. We are honored to support their work to protect all young players, no matter what sport they play. We will continue to focus on making our game better and safer and setting the right example on health and safety in sports."

According to Deborah Crawley, Executive Director of the BIAWA, "We are truly honored that Commissioner Goodell and Mr. McLoughlin will be here to be part of our annual Gala.  As a small non-profit doing big things, it is extremely fulfilling to know that what we started in Washington state with passage of the Lystedt Law has taken on new meaning and depth with passage in all 50 states."   

The 8^th Annual Gala Auction & Dinner will be held at the Seattle Westin Hotel.  Major sponsors include UBS Financial Services, Adler-Giersch, PS; the Amen Clinic; NBLE Law Firm; VICIS and Evergreen HealthCare.

Founded in 1983 the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington (BIAWA) is dedicated to providing prevention and support services to all Washingtonians who have suffered any type of brain injury.  BIAWA is the voice for the hundreds of thousands who are affected and the over 20,000 who suffer a brain injury annually in Washington State.   For more information about the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington call 1-877-98BIAWA (982-4292) or the TBI Helpline at 1-877-824-1766

SOURCE The Brain Injury Association of Washington

Related Links

http://www.braininjurywashington.org