Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund
In 1985, Barth A. Green, M.D. and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti helped found The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after Nick’s son, Marc, suffered a spinal cord injury during a college football game. Since then research at The Miami Project has completely changed the landscape of knowledge and therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.
Committed to finding a cure for paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury and to seeing millions worldwide walk again, the Buoniconti family established The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in 1992.
This year an iconic group of Sports Legends, Hall of Famers, Gold Medalists, World Champions, and honorees will be recognized by The Buoniconti Fund at its 32nd Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner presented by Tudor Group on Monday, September 25 at The New York Hilton Midtown Hotel.
“For over 31 years the Great Sports Legend Dinner has supported a singular essential mission, finding a cure for paralysis,” said Buoniconti Fund Founder Nick Buoniconti. “This event has raised funds and awareness for ground-breaking, much-needed spinal cord injury research, as well as cutting-edge treatment programs. We’re honored to have the generosity and participation of so many iconic athletes and heroes who join us in providing hope for those living with paralysis, so together we can stand as one.”
Hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti and his son Marc, will honor legendary designated hitter and first baseman for the Boston Red Sox David “Big Papi” Ortiz, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, NBA Hall of Famer and former Miami Heat forward Alonzo Mourning, Hall of Fame defensive end and linebacker for the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets Jason Taylor, four-time IndyCar Racing Champion Scott Dixon, six-time tennis Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters, and FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Abby Wambach.
This year’s event will also serve as a launch for the publication of Undefeated: From Tragedy to Triumph, a candid, compelling and inspiring memoir by Marc Buoniconti recounting his days as an admittedly reckless youth and teen to the day his world changed after a paralyzing football injury while in college and how he has dedicated his life since to helping others, and to finding a cure for paralysis.
NBC Sports personality Bob Costas will serve as emcee for the event, which annually attracts a veritable “Who’s Who” of more than 1,500 sports legends, celebrities, philanthropists, corporate leaders and other influential New Yorkers. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Chicago with perform live at the event.
Special tribute will also be paid to NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France and Amy France, who will receive The Outstanding Philanthropists Award; television personality and victim rights activist John Walsh, who will receive The Inspiration Award; renowned Brazilian artist and activist Romero Britto, who will receive The Humanitarian Award; and former Miami Dolphin and longtime Buoniconti Fund champion Dick Anderson, who will receive The Buoniconti Fund Award.
Since its inception in 1985, the Great Sports Legends Dinner has honored more than 300 sports legends and honorees and has helped The Buoniconti Fund raise more than $350 million for The Miami Project’s spinal cord injury research programs. The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, through the research efforts of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, is committed to finding a cure for paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury and to seeing millions worldwide walk again.
The 32nd Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner on Monday, September 25, 2017 begins at 5:30 PM at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York City. Tickets start at $850 per person and can be purchased by phone at (305)-243-4656 or online here. If you are unable to attend but still wish to donate, you can do so by clicking here.
