The Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular has been heralded by the Los Angeles Times as the premier sports awards dinner in the country. This exciting charity event was established in 1986 in response to the promise of genetic research leading to the understanding of numerous genetic diseases found in children as well as adults. The Sports Spectacular has raised over $19 million to benefit the life-saving work of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Genetics Institute. The Institute’s focus is to provide expert consultation and cutting edge research to find new and improved methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment for all types of genetic disorders, including mental retardation, dwarfism, cystic fibrosis, deafness and malformation syndromes, as well as common diseases of adulthood, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. The event also benefits the Sports Spectacular Fellowship Endowment, which supports the training of five research Fellows in various medical fields at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

One night each year, the Sports Spectacular brings together a sold-out audience of 1,800 guests, including executives from the investment banking, entertainment, legal, and sports communities, with over 80 world-class athletes. It is a time for these athletes to pay tribute to their communities, fans and to all those who suffer from a genetic birth disorder. Together, the table patrons and athletes enjoy an exclusive silent auction followed by a moving awards ceremony in tribute to the event's chosen honorees. In its 24 year history, the Sports Spectacular has honored some of the most prestigious athletes of our nation including Muhammad Ali, Kobe Bryant, Barry Bonds, Shaquille O'Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Joe DiMaggio, Tony Hawk, Emmitt Smith, Marcus Allen, Wilt Chamberlain, Joe Montana, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Lisa Leslie, Willie Shoemaker and many more. Check out our .past honoree page for a complete list of past Sports Spectacular Honorees.

The 2009 Sports Spectacular honored Laila Ali, Ryan Sheckler and Dwyane Wade. Other attendees and participants included Warren Sapp, Snoop Dogg, Rick Reilly, Michael Irvin, Chad Ochocinco, Terence Newman, Tom Arnold, Tim Brown, Joel & Benji Madden, Baron Davis, Kevin Love, Hasheem Thabeet, Nastia Liukin, Chester Pitts, Tito Ortiz, LenDale White, Rich Eisen, and many more!

2010 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular.