PORTSMOUTH – In recognition of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s support for the Seacoast Sports Awards, which marked its fifth anniversary this past June in a star-studded celebration of Seacoast athletes, Seacoast Media Group recently presented hospital officials with signed footballs from some of the event’s leading presenters.
“Wentworth-Douglass was incredibly proud to sponsor the Seacoast Sports Awards this year, which we see as part of our commitment to athletes across the Greater Seacoast region,” said Jon Beauchesne, Assistant Vice President of Wentworth-Douglass’ musculoskeletal service line. “It’s our way to give back to the local athletes we serve every day. We’re not only here for their sports medicine needs, but also our community as well”
The footballs were signed by NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith, who were joined at the awards by other high profile presenters including Boston Celtics world champion Kevin Garnett and fellow basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neil, Olympic gold medalists Michael Johnson (track), Kerri Walsh Jennings (volleyball), Martin St. Louis (hockey), Alex Morgan (soccer), Jennie Finch (softball) and Sue Bird (basketball) and many others.
For the second year in a row, the ceremony was held virtually due to COVID-19.
Andrew Chernoff, Seacoast Media Group’s vice-president of sales and strategy, noted that without sponsors like Wentworth Douglass Hospital, the sports awards would not be possible.
“It is one of the highlights for us each year to honor the Seacoast’s student athletes and the support of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and other sponsors is what allows us to do this,” Chernoff said. “We look forward to working with Wentworth-Douglass and our other sponsors for years to come. Hopefully this June we’ll be able to host the awards in person.”
In addition to sponsoring the overall program, Wentworth-Douglass chose to sponsor the courage award, which this year went to Exeter High School gymnast Abbie Hafey, who competed at the highest levels while battling a painful chronic illness.
“It was particularly meaningful to sponsor the courage award, which I was honored to introduce,” Beauchesne said. “We understand the commitment and dedication it takes for an athlete to overcome an illness or injury. It’s often not an easy road. Thankfully, we have the most comprehensive range of sports medicine and orthopedic services on the Seacoast, so to be a small part of these inspiring stories is a privilege for all of us at Wentworth-Douglass.”
