Western University is receiving a gift of $500,000 from the National Hockey League Player's Association (NHLPA) to support concussion research.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at See the Line, an annual event held at Western University for concussion research and awareness.
The funding will help researchers develop new ways to treat concussions and reduce their short-term and long-term effects.
The announcement also begins a one-year challenge for Canadians to raise an additional $2.625-million to support concussion research.
“With the help of NHLPA and the challenge they’ve set forward to people everywhere, my hope is that this research will one day lead to full recoveries for everyone living with concussion,” says Eric Lindros, honorary chair of See the Line.
See the Line combines the experience of sport concussion clinical care and research leaders in London to reduce the incidence of concussions, improve care through research, and educate athletes, coaches, and parents about the serious impact of concussions.
More than 160,000 Canadians experience a concussion every year, and half of all concussions are sports-related. Experts say concussions may be associated with conditions such as depression, early-onset dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.