At a time when sports pages are dominated with stories of athletes getting arrested, squabbling over million-dollar contracts and taking steroids,the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation takes the time to honor those that represent what is right in sports.
Tonight, 32 NFL players will be honored for their commitment to courage and sportsmanship during the 29th annual Ed Block Courage Foundation Award banquet at 5 p.m. at Martin?s West. The honorees include players who battled back from injuries, dealt with tragedy or displayed a great deal of courage on and/or off the field.
The foundation, which is named after the late former athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts, promotes the prevention of child abuse by raising awareness and helping agencies that provide care to those in need.
“One thing that makes this award special is that it?s the only one completely chosen by their peers,” said Chuck Harmon, the foundation?s director of communications.
Among those being honored tonight are Baltimore Ravens defensive back Corey Ivy, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer and New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister. Ivy nearly died after suffering a lacerated kidney during an October game against the Denver Broncos. The team had to make an emergency landing in Pittsburgh so Ivy could get medical treatment. He returned to play later in the season.
“This award takes a close look at what a player has gone through and how they have dealt with that challenge either on or off the field,” Harmon said.
One of the most eye-opening experiences for the players in Baltimore this week is the visit they take to St. Vincent?s Center, one of 17 members of the Courage House National Support Network for Kids. There, the players get to meet and interact with children that have suffered from child abuse and neglect.
“That?s where the players see what the foundation and its work is all about,” Harmon said. “After that, it?s not unusual for players to go back to their hometown and get involved with their own courage house or see how to start one of their own if there isn?t one in their town already.”
ED BLOCK AWARD
» What: Ed Block Courage Award Foundation Award banquet
» Where: Martin?s West
» When: Tonight, 5
» Why: Award honors 32 NFL players that displayed courage over the last year. The event raises money for the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, which helps agencies that assist victims of child abuse and neglect.
