On May 3rd, Brooks Rehabilitation and the Jacksonville Jaguars sponsored Play Smart! Stay Safe!
The free, child safety event to help children play safe and avoid head injuries was held at the Jaguars' practice field. Kids aged 4-16 were custom-fitted for their very own sports safety helmet. There were activities for parents, too, with demonstrations on how to properly install child car seats.
Jaguar players Vince Manuwai, Mike Peterson, D'Juan Woods, and George Wrightster, III were on hand to sign autographs and encourage the kids to wear their helmets. Jaxson de Ville also made a special appearance and signed helmets. Kids and parents alike enjoyed clowns, refreshments and various games.
"It doesn't take much to have a serious brain injury that can permanently change a child's life," said Marion Anderson, executive director of community health for Brooks Rehabilitation. "In fact, a child slowly riding a bike and falling only two feet can incur a traumatic brain injury. This event will show kids and parents how to play safe."
"The Jacksonville Jaguars know first hand the importance of protective equipment and how it can help reduce injuries," said Macky Weaver, Jaguars executive director of corporate sponsorship. "We want to help kids understand that wearing a helmet is not just for the football field. It is the best protection kids can have when riding a bike, scooter or skating."
According to Safe Kids USA, almost half of all children hospitalized for bike-related injuries suffer from a serious brain injury, and almost 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths result from head injuries. Although wearing a helmet is the easiest way to reduce head injuries, only about 15 to 25 percent of kids wear helmets when riding a bike.
Volunteers distributed almost 300 helmets and the event was a big success because of their help.