Walkathon raising awareness for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

In a cause close to the hearts of the rugby league community, Canterbury League Club have shown their support for Concussion Legacy Foundation Australia (CLFA) by donating $10,000 at their recent ‘End CTE’ charity walkathon.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, is a progressive degenerative disease affecting people who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

“On a beautiful sunny Sunday on 21 April, we had 90 people representing CLFA to walk around Olympic Park and onto Accor Stadium to acknowledge the many individuals and their families that have been affected by concussion and suspected CTE,” said Annitta Siliato, Executive Director of CLFA.

“The walk was led by Andrew Mortimer (son of Steve Mortimer), who was joined by many including Steve Folkes’ family, Tony Trudgett’s family, Kyle White’s partner, and a contingent from the NZ All Blacks – it made for the perfect day and allowed us to highlight the importance of raising awareness about the issue of concussion and CTE.”

Donations from the walkathon will go towards future CLFA initiatives including expanding CLFA’s helpline services, extra support for their online support groups, as well educational opportunities for youth and concussion in sport through a ‘Brain Health Program’ for sports such as Rugby League, Rugby Union, Australian Rules and Football (Soccer) in NSW that will be delivered through schools and sporting clubs.

“This fun program aims to provide education about the benefits and importance of the sport,” said Annitta. “It will also encourage younger people to be aware of brain health and to develop strategies to support one another when it comes to concussion and sport.”

“CLF Australia would like to offer a huge thank you to Canterbury League Club for their support.”