President Barack Obama held a conference on Thursday to discuss concerns surrounding sports concussions and the need for better research, according to The Boston Globe.
During the summit, Obama talked about the negative attitudes surrounding athletes who sit out after getting injured.
''We have to change a culture that says you suck it up,'' the president said, adding he believes he may have suffered concussions as a young athlete. Obama also emphasized the prominence of concussions in contact sports.
The event was attended by representatives from professional and college sports associations, coaches, parents, athletes, doctors, and others. Before Obama spoke, he was introduced by Victoria Bellucci -- a high school student from Maryland who suffered from five concussions during her soccer career.
Due to the amount of concussions Bellucci suffered, she told the crowd that studying became difficult and resulted in turning down a full scholarship to play soccer at Towson University. Instead, she will attend Flagler College.
''Concussions have drastically altered my life,'' Bellucci said.
Obama announced pledges of millions of dollars from the NFL, the National Institutes of Health, and other organizations to focus on conducting more research that could improve safety initiatives.
''We want our kids participating in sports,'' he said. ''As parents, though, we want to keep them safe.''
Obama cited statistics that show 250,000 kids and young adults visit the emergency room for concussion injuries each year -- not including those who seek treatment from private doctors or no treatment at all.
White House Spokesman Jay Carney announced earlier in May that the president would hold a concussion summit to promote effective research and treatment methods.
"As both a parent and an avid sports fan, the president appreciates the role that sports play in the lives of young people, and his administration is committed to helping ensure that children continue to be active and play sports safely," Carney said.
