September 26, 2021 – Winnipeg MB – Concussion Awareness Week, held across Canada from September 26 to October 2, 2021, encourages everyone to get involved in preventing, recognizing, and managing concussions.

Any blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that jars your head, could cause a concussion. When you don’t feel right, feel like you’re in a fog, are more emotional than usual, or are having a hard time falling asleep, check for these and more signs and symptoms of a concussion.  Then, speak up! Tell a coach, parent, teacher or another trusted adult if you think you have a concussion.

“Manitoba is committed to ensuring the protection of athletes and mandated the development and implementation of concussion protocols,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox. “Our government has worked hard to support athletes and ensure they can continue to participate safely while continuing to promote awareness around the issue of concussions.”

“Awareness is an important piece of combatting concussions. In order for athletes, coaches, officials, parents, teachers, and sport organizations to be better equipped in protecting people from concussions, we need to provide accessible resources and education on how to recognize the signs and symptoms, what actions to take next, and ways to prevent concussions in the first place. Sport Manitoba is committed to working with the sport community to spread that knowledge for the safety and well-being of our sport and recreation participants, “ said Janet McMahon, President & CEO, Sport Manitoba.

This week, find out what you can do to prevent concussions in your sport or activity and know what to do if a concussion does happen. 

Online Workshop

Alongside the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba, Sport Manitoba is hosting a virtual Concussion Awareness Workshop, free for athletes, parents, coaches, officials, and sport administrators across the province.
Wednesday, September 29
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sign up at sportmed.mb.ca/concussions 

Concussion Care

If you suspect you have a concussion, the Sport Manitoba Clinic team can perform a comprehensive assessment if you have any of the following symptoms; dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, headaches, fatigue, or the inability to return to sport, school or work. We will assess your symptoms and risk factors to work with you to create a management plan that aligns with a return to sport, school, or work plan. sportmanitoba.ca/clinic/services/concussion-care

“In the grand scheme of things, you only have one brain. As an athlete, when you’re injured, you want to get back to your sport – and we want that for you too,” said Dr. Gail Sawa, Physician at the Sport Manitoba Clinic. “As much as you love your sport, you need to take care of that brain first. It’s important to recognize your symptoms, see your doctor, and get the rest you need so you can get back to sport safely and be in a better position to succeed.”

Resources

Concussions are a serious public health issue affecting all Canadians. Early recognition of concussions, proper medical assessment, and appropriate management make a difference in recovery. That’s why we want Canadians to know how to prevent concussions, how to care for one, and where to find good information.

• Complete a free learning module through the Concussion Awareness Training Tool
   
• Complete the Coaching Association of Canada’s free NCCP Making Head  Way Concussion eLearning Series
   
•  Download the free Concussion Ed app for information on the go
   
•  Access SIRC’s concussion resources for the sport community
   
• Sport Manitoba Concussion FAQ + education + return to play guidelines
   
• Sport Manitoba Concussion Conversations: A multi-faceted conversation around concussions in sport featuring a variety of athletes
   
• Sport Manitoba concussion video series
• Media Availability
• Janet McMahon, Sport Manitoba’s President and CEO
• Carter Wall, athlete-turned-coach.
• Carter has suffered multiple concussions which contributed to the end of his playing career. He’s a coach now and makes concussion education a priority with his athletes.  
• Please arrange interviews with Sarah Tone, sarah.tone@sportmanitoba.ca, or 431-778-5796.

About Sport Manitoba
Sport Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization and the lead planning, programming and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba. Located at 145 Pacific Avenue in Winnipeg, Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in the province and is responsible for programs including the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro, Sport Manitoba Coaching, Team Manitoba, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Fit Kids Healthy Kids, and KidSport. Services provided include the Sport Manitoba Clinic, Sport Manitoba Performance, Sport Manitoba Fitness Centre, and the Paul Robson Resource Centre for Leadership and Coaching.

Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba (SMSCM)
The Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba is a cooperative forum of medical, paramedical and sport science provider groups organized to meet the needs of Manitoba’s sport, recreation and fitness communities. The SMSCM is a collaboration of 14 professional groups who share common endeavours and strive to promote education and research to be used for the prevention and management of sport and recreation injuries and illnesses. sportmed.mb.ca

For more information please contact:
Sarah Tone
Communications Coordinator
Sport Manitoba
Cell: 431-778-5796
sarah.tone@sportmanitoba.ca

OR

Joshua Stolar
Executive Director
Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba
Office: 204-925-5750
sport.med@sportmanitoba.ca