MEDIA RELEASE
BARRHAVEN AND OTTAWA SPORTS COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER AT ROWAN’S LAW PETITION LAUNCH
“Stringer Family, Local Athletes, Community Leaders Rallied Behind Provincial Plan for Concussion Awareness and Treatment”
Friday, September 11, 2015
(Barrhaven)- Barrhaven and Ottawa Sports communities came together in support of a proposed provincial bill today that would better education and treat Ontarians with concussions. Nepean-Carleton PC MPP Lisa MacLeod will introduce Rowan’s Law, named for 17 year old Rowan Stringer who died from a concussion while playing rugby, this fall in the Ontario Legislature.
“Ontario needs a Rowan’s Law to protect our athletes and the public from concussion related injury and death. Our family is pleased the coroner’s recommendations into Rowan’s death are closer to becoming law”, said Rowan’s father, Gordon Stringer. “Our goal is to create a culture of awareness to protect athletes. Brain injuries are serious and protecting the brain is paramount”, added Rowan’s mom, Kathleen Stringer. “The show of support from our home community today at the petition launch for Rowan’s Law was remarkable”, the Stringers pointed out.
MacLeod will work with her own PC Caucus, as well as the governing Liberals and NDP to usher the legislation through Queen’s Park. “It is widely acknowledged that concussion related injury and death is a serious threat to Ontario’s athletes. I am grateful that MPP’s in all parties have indicated support for Rowan’s Law”, said MacLeod.
The Barrhaven Scottish Rugby Club in conjunction with Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder have also initiated a commemorative naming process for the Rugby Field at Ken Ross Park in Barrhaven in Rowan Stringer’s name.
Interested Ontarians are able to sign the petition supporting Rowan’s Law at www.rowanslaw.ca.
For more information or to request an interview, please call Frank Hall: 613-823-2116
More information can be found at Rowan’s Law on Facebook
Fact Sheet_RowansLaw -Click to Download
Rowan’s Law Petition – Click to Download
