Great Sports Legends Dinner

The Great Sports Legends Dinner, established in 1986 by The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, is an annual event held in New York, honoring distinguished sports figures and philanthropists. This esteemed gathering supports The Miami Project's mission to find a cure for paralysis resulting from spinal cord injuries. Over the years, the dinner has recognized more than 370 sports legends and humanitarians, raising significant funds for the organization's research programs.

The Miami Project, founded by Marc Buoniconti and Dr. Barth Green, was envisioned as a collaborative effort, bringing together scientists from various clinical and scientific disciplines to find a cure for paralysis. The project's origins can be traced back to the early 1980s when Marc Buoniconti, a college football player, sustained a spinal cord injury during a game, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down.

The Great Sports Legends Dinner has become a significant event in the world of sports, attracting notable figures such as Michael Jordan, whose statue, titled "The Spirit," was created by Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt Amrany of Timeless Creations in Highwood, IL. This immortalization of Jordan, unveiled in 1994, marked the beginning of a series of sports-related public art pieces created by the couple, who have since become renowned for their work.

The dinner's honorees have not only left their mark on the sports world but have also made significant contributions to various charitable causes. Over the years, the dinner has grown in stature and influence, becoming a must-attend event for sports enthusiasts and philanthropists alike.