Today the young Ottawa athlete who inspired Rowan’s Law was honoured in Barrhaven. The pitch at Ken Ross Park, where Rowan Stringer once played, officially became ‘Rowan’s Pitch’.
Rowan died in 2013 after suffering several concussions playing high school rugby. She was 17-years-old.
Since that day her parents have been working to raise awareness for concussion safety.
“Everything about Rowan was about working together and doing the right thing and the best thing for children’s health and safety so I really think this epitomizes her as a person and it’s really a tribute,” said Kathleen String, Rowan’s mom.
The reveal comes just days before Rowan’s Law is expected to be passed in the Ontario Legislature. It is an act that aims to set guidelines on how to manage youth concussions in all sports.
“By 6p.m. on Tuesday Rowan’s Law will become the first concussion legislation in Canadian history to be supported by all three political parties in a rare show of solidarity,” said Lisa MacLeod, the MPP for Nepean-Carleton.
Several of Rowan’s former teammates were there for the tribute. Many of the players said they look at concussions differently since Rowan's death.
“As rugby players we push through everything but now we know it’s not OK to push through a head injury. It’s not a typical bruise, it’s not a sprained ankle, it’s something more serious and life-threatening as we know,” said Lily Weber, Rowan’s former teammate.
Another teammate, Lowrie gauthier, said she wished she had known about the dangers sooner.
“Obviously I wish it was done before, you know I don’t think anyone wants to lose anyone but I’m glad something is happening and there is change and I think she’s be really happy to know she changed something for the better,” said Gauthier.
