SportMedBC’s latest injury prevention and performance initiative, SportSmart, continues to hit all parts of British Columbia.
The program kicked off in late August 2012, continuing into 2013. The past five days has seen some outstanding events in both Richmond and Vancouver.
On Friday, January 18, the Richmond Olympic Oval played host to SportSmart for members of theRichmond Youth Soccer Association. Over 40 coaches and parents attended. Just days later in Vancouver, 59 members from the Vancouver United Football Club checked out SportSmart at the Dunbar Lawn Bowling Club.
SportMedBC Safety Coordinator and SportSmart workshop presenter Seb Hartell says his interactions with the groups are a good indicator of what the SportSmart program is all about.
“It’s terrific to see so many coaches and parents committed to learning about injury prevention and performance. The groups were engaged in the workshops. They wanted to know all about sport safety. They had numerous questions and thoughts on the topics discussed.”
Hartell added, “this is the type of dedication that can really help with children and young athletes staying healthy, fit and successful.”
Funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Active and Safe initiative, SportMedBC is providing introductory sport safety and performance workshops across the province.
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The workshops are designed to increase injury prevention knowledge among parents, coaches and managers of children and youth ages 5 to 19 who are involved in community sport programs. Through various resources, information and tools, sports leaders can learn how they can successfully apply proven injury prevention and athlete development principles drawn from the best research-based evidence.
In a fast-paced, 90-minute workshop session, SportSmart participants will learn how they can make a difference:
– How to ensure players are properly prepared for activity.
– How to recognize the signs and symptoms of serious injuries, including concussion, administer basic onsite sports first-aid.
– How to set up a safe, enjoyable environment.
– Where to find evidence based advice and guidelines.
– Where to turn in the event of an injury to their children.
“This investment will increase opportunities for children and youth to participate in sports and recreational activities that are safe, fun, fair and healthy,” said Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Dr. Colin Carrie.
SportMedBC has also built an online network that boasts the latest injury prevention information that is essential for parents and coaches. Access to the network is free for workshop attendees.
SportMedBC will also be releasing a series of webinars from November through to March that will focus on relevant injury prevention topics.
Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Active and Safe initiative, the federal government supports a number of projects that focus on preventing injuries among children and youth by reaching Canadians in the communities where they live and play. Active and Safe encourages community level action to increase sport and recreation safety awareness.
For more information and to register your team, club or community for a workshop, EMAIL.
