Changing the game: Minimising head trauma in sport

Day 1  |  PLENARY & PANEL  |  3.45pm - 5pm*

Plenary address - 3.45 pm

"Changes need to be made from the moment players step onto the field for the first time as a child all the way through to the end."

Before becoming a neuroscientist, Dr Chris Nowinski was a Harvard football player turned WWE professional wrestler. His life was changed in 2003 when he received a concussion that resulted in a slow and painful recovery and ended his professional wrestling career. Chris will share the journey that took him from that point to starting the non-profit Concussion Legacy Foundation, and his vision for reducing the risk of brain trauma for players of contact sports around the world.

Panel discussion - 4.15 pm

We’ll be inviting key Australian sporting stars and experts to discuss the ongoing impact of head trauma in sport and look at where to from here.

Our panel includes former AFL player and sports presenter on ABC's News Breakfast, Tony Armstrong, dementia expert from The University of Edinburgh, Prof Craig Ritchie, Director of Combat Australia, Angela Deacon, and more to be announced.

Chair

Marie Alford has worked in dementia behaviour support since early Commonwealth initiatives and leads the Australian Government Funded Dementia Support Australia programs. She is Head of Dementia Professional Services for The Dementia Centre.

*Please note that session timings may be subject to change.

Presenters