TEN TIPS TO HELP SPORTS FANS OF ALL AGES SAFELY CELEBRATE "YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY®"
Chicago, Feb. 11, 2004 - As spring rolls around in most parts of the country, kids will be lacing up their sneakers, picking up bats, and throwing balls again. It's also time for the 13th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day, taking place Saturday, April 3, at more than 1,150 YMCAs nationwide. YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for America's 2,540 YMCAs, offers these ten tips to help ensure that sports fans of all ages have fun and stay safe as they play spring sports and increase their physical activity levels.
- Get in shape to play sports, don't play sports to get in shape.
- Drink plenty of fluids during the 24-hour period before an athletic event to help prevent you from getting dehydrated.
- Always warm up and cool down before and after a practice or game respectively.
- Practice, practice, practice.
- Always wear the safety gear for the sport you are playing.
- Learn the etiquette of the sport you are playing.
- Play several sports, don't focus on just one. It'll make you a better athlete altogether.
- When swimming, always be sure to have a buddy with you. It's safer and more fun.
- Never dive into water unless you know what is underneath the surface.
- If you're riding on anything with wheels, wear a helmet.
"However, you're never too old to play by the rules, learn the etiquette of your game, be a good sport and be safe," said Augie Mendoza, youth sports specialty consultant, YMCA of the USA. "YMCAs have been teaching these concepts since 1891, when physical instructor James Naismith invented basketball at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. We're proud to keep this legacy alive on ball fields and basketball courts at over 2,540 YMCAs."
At many YMCA Healthy Kids Day events, parents will also be signing up their children for summer activities and sports leagues. To help ensure that kids and their parents have a positive relationship with their coaches, Mendoza advises parents to consider asking new coaches the following questions, before the season gets started:
- What is your philosophy on playing time for each child and position rotation?
- Do you have CPR/First Aid and is there a safety plan for emergencies?
- What are your past experiences in coaching?
- Why do you like to coach?
- Do you need any assistance in any capacity for the season?
According to Mendoza, knowing more about your child's coach will give you insight into what type of role model your child is learning from, and whether he or she is getting the appropriate experience for his or skill level, and interest.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day is nationally sponsored by Tropicana Pure Premium Healthy Kidstm. To find the closest YMCA in your community hosting an event, log on to www.ymca.net.
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for America's 2,540 YMCAs. Collectively, YMCAs are the nation's largest not-for-profit community service organization and largest provider of child care, serving 18.9 million people of all faiths, races, ages and incomes, including 9.3 million children. YMCAs offer a broad range of programs including youth leadership and volunteerism, and financial assistance is available. To learn more visit www.ymca.net.
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For more information contact:
Media Relations Manager
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8418