As part of its mission to promote health and well-being for youth athletes across the region, the Safe Sports Network is hosting a series of special events in recognition of Youth Sports Safety Week (November 9-16)
According to the Safe Sports Network, children who participate in sports benefit physically and develop important characteristics like determination, self-esteem, teamwork, and resilience. However, sports have risk. The November awareness week is designed to draw attention to sports safety among students, coaches, parents, and the broader community in Greater Manchester.
In support of the initiative, Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig has proclaimed November 9-16 Youth Sports Safety Week in the Queen City. “I’d like to thank the Safe Sports Network for their dedication to student-athletes across New Hampshire, and for their continued work to boost the confidence, resilience and determination of our students though sport,” the Mayor said.
Housed on Kosciuszko Street in downtown Manchester, the non-profit Safe Sports Network provides important emergency preparation as well as free injury prevention, care, and rehabilitation for 6,000 athletes in Greater Manchester. Youth Sports Safety Week includes CPR training for coaches, concussion testing, and a nutrition workshop. The following events are all free, but registration is required.
Fueling Your Performance: Nutrition for Athletes – Tuesday, November 12 (6 – 7 p.m.)
The Derryfield School, Performing Arts Theater, 2108 River Road, Manchester, NH.
Nutrition is important for athletes because it provides a source of energy. But it also affects strength, training, performance and recovery. Marcia Nelson, UNH’s Director of Sports Nutrition, provides insight into smart choices for overall health of athletes.
CPR for Coaches – Wednesday, November 13 (5 – 7 p.m.)
West High School Library, 9 Notre Dame Avenue, Manchester, NH
Coaches can become CPR certified, learn how to use an AED, and be trained by professionals that work in the sports medicine field.
Concussion Baseline Testing – Saturday, November 16 (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
Safe Sports Network, 35 Kociuszko Street, Manchester, NH
Student-athletes ages 12 and up can get free concussion baseline testing.
In partnership with ExpressMED, the Safe Sports Networks is also providing free sports physicals throughout the week of November 9 – 16. The physical uses special history questions and screenings to identify potential risk factors for young athletes. Pre-registration is required. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call (603) 627-8053
For more information about the week’s events, or to register, please visit www.safesportsnetwork.org.
In addition to the activities planned for Youth Sports Safety Week, the Safe Sports Network is available throughout the year. Young athletes can also take advantage of the free sports injury drop-in clinic held at 35 Kosciuszko St. in Manchester.
NH MusculoskelataI Institute 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.
