Sports Legacy Institute

SLI is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded on June 14, 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts by Christopher Nowinski and Dr. Robert Cantu in reaction to new medical research indicating brain trauma in sports had become a public health crisis. Post-mortem analysis of the brain tissue of former contact sports athletes was revealing that repetitive brain injuries, both concussions and non-concussive blows, could lead to a neurodegenerative disease known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. In addition, an absence of awareness and education on concussions, specifically proper diagnosis and management, was allowing the disease to proliferate. Finally, with brain trauma becoming the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, this research/education model could also be applied to the military.

SLI was founded to solve this concussion crisis in sports and the military through medical research, treatment, and education & prevention.  The initial vision of SLI was to formalize the groundbreaking neuropathological research and develop treatment and a cure through partnering with a top-tier university medical school. That vision was achieved when SLI partnered with Boston University School of Medicine in September, 2008, to form the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy. SLI would also develop ways to raise awareness of the issue and directly educate coaches, athletes and parents. As of 2012, SLI continues to achieve those goals through our Advanced Concussion Training and SLICE programs, the Chicago Concussion Coalition, and raising awareness through media like the New York Times, 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, and many others.

Visit Sports Legacy Institute here.