Concussion Awareness Day in Saskatchewan

Released on September 24, 2021

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed Wednesday, September 29, as Concussion Awareness Day in the province.

Concussions are a serious public health issue. Awareness on this issue can make a difference by helping individuals and communities understand how to prevent, recognize, and manage concussions and where to find credible information.

"There have been many advancements around the science and management of concussions," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "Early recognition of concussions, proper medical assessment, and appropriate care can make a major difference in recovery and allow a safe return to playing sports and physical activities."

This proclamation is part of a coordinated effort across Canada to increase concussion awareness by sharing information and encouraging community action and involvement.

The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, in conjunction with Sask Sport Inc. and the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Saskatchewan will be hosting a 60-minute webinar on concussion management and returning to play on September 29 at 7 p.m.

The webinar features an expert sports medicine panel and a former elite athlete who will share her story about dealing with concussions and the related challenges. The webinar is geared toward athletes, coaches, parents and sport medicine practitioners.

"Sask Sport is proud to partner with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, as well as the Sports Medicine and Science Council of Saskatchewan to bring awareness to concussion management," Sask Sport's Board of Directors Chair Lance Dudar said. "Everyone involved in sports including athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and other supporters have an active role in keeping athletes who may have suffered a concussion safe and understanding how to effectively manage healing. This webinar will highlight how we can all help treat concussions."

Returning to activities too quickly can slow recovery and bring on long-lasting effects. That is why it is so important to follow the gradual stages for return to school, work and sport.

"The Sport Medicine and Science Council of Saskatchewan is excited to partner in this initiative to continue on with our mandate of increasing awareness of all aspects of concussion with specific emphasis on prevention, identifying and diagnosing, and most importantly managing an individual with a concussion through the required steps involved in returning to play and learning," Sport Medicine and Science Council of Saskatchewan President Courtney Schell said. "Our hope is that participants of this webinar become aware that we have the resources and professional people within our membership that can ensure a proper recovery plan is established, activated, and monitored for a full recovery."

For more information on the Concussion Management webinar or to register, please visit https://www.sasksport.ca/events/a-concussion-story-lessons-for-concussion-management/.

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