Laser maker stages ‘sumo’ battles for ALS

Andresen/St. Johns — Massive costumed bodies came crashing together at the facilities of high-performance laser manufacturer nLight on Northeast 88th Street, when the company hosted an employee sumo wrestling championship on behalf of the ALS Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington. ALS is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and it affects 30,000 Americans at any given time. It is a progressive, wasting disease that is always fatal. There is no cure. The nLight sumo championship — which featured employees in goofy sumo wrestling suits — raised $1,000 in one hour. The company aims to raise $5,000 for the ALS Association this year. Learn more about the association and ALS.