Youth Sports Safety Week in Manchester

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Laura Decoster: laura@NHMI.net, 603.627.9728

Mayor Gatsas Proclaims November 15-21 Youth Sports Safety Week in Manchester (NH)

Recognizing that we must make sure our young athletes are safe, Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas has proclaimed November 15-21 Youth Sports Safety Week. Safe Sports Network, a nonprofit program in greater Manchester, will present several activities during the week. With more than 5 million youth sports injuries every year in the US, everyone involved has a role in improving youth sports safety. Events include free sports physicals and classes to help recognize and treat emergencies. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is the primary sponsor of Youth Sports Safety Week. Central High School, Manchester Boys & Girls Club and NH Orthopaedic Center will host events.

The Week will kick off on Saturday, November 15 with a CPR/1^st aid/AED course for coaches. This class will be taught by sports medicine experts who will tailor the content and make it extremely pertinent for youth/high school coaches. (8am-1pm, Central High School, PA Building Auditorium). THE MAYOR WILL MAKE AN APPEARANCE AT APPROXIMATELY 10 AM TO ISSUE HIS PROCLAMATION.

On Tuesday, November 18, student-athletes will learn signs and symptoms of potentially-catastrophic sports injuries and illnesses in New Hampshire’s third Athletes Saving Athletes™ class. The theme of this course is, “What you know may save someone you know.” What a difference that might make! (8:30am-12pm, Manchester Boys and Girls Club, 555 Union St., Manchester)

On Wednesday, November 19, student-athletes can participate in FREE sports physicals. These physicals are intended specifically to clear students for sports participation. They incorporate special history questions along with vision and musculoskeletal screenings that can identify potential risk factors for young athletes. (5:30-7pm, New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center, 9 Washington Pl., Bedford)

On Thursday, November 20, parents will learn important signs and symptoms about concussions and how to protect their young athletes. Also covered this evening will be hands-only CPR and AED. This session can help parents know what to expect if their child is concussed and help them make a difference in an emergency. (530-7 PM, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, 650 Elm Street, 6th floor, Manchester)

In addition to activities planned for Youth Sports Safety Week, Safe Sports Network is available throughout the year.  Young athletes can take advantage of the FREE sports injury drop in clinic held at 35 Kosciuszko St. in Manchester. Safe Sports can help youth leagues implement a concussion management program just like college athletes get. Safe Sports Network is a nonprofit program. All services to athletes are free. For more information or to register for any events, please call 627-9728 or email Amy@nhmi.net.

NHMI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing knowledge in musculoskeletal care and sports medicine and to promoting and providing a safe sports environment for athletes.  Young athletes from Greater Manchester receive free sports medicine services through its largest program, the Safe Sports Network.  For more information, visit www.nhmi.net