In societies all over the world, sports are a major part of the social fabric. From cheering on your favorite players with friends and neighbors to getting on the field and giving it your all, athleticism is something which abundantly enriches our lives and communities. But while there are many positives to sports, it’s critical to assure that all athletic endeavors are approached with health, safety, and long-term sustainability in mind. To help keep athletes of all ages and skill levels performing at their best, please join the New Jersey State Library for their upcoming webinar, Sports Safety.

On Tuesday, September 10th, the New Jersey State Library will be hosting “Sports Safety”, an informative webinar which will equip guests with the basics of avoiding brain injury while participating in athletic endeavors. This conversation will be held virtually from 12pm to 1pm on Zoom. While the event is free to attend, guests are asked to register in advance by completing the sign-up form on Zoom, linked here: Register – Zoom. As this is a virtual event, guests are not required to be physically present at the New Jersey State Library. Your host for the afternoon will be Kim Myers, a community outreach specialist with the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey. By the conclusion of the conversation, children and families should feel equipped to make informed decisions and protect their brains through a number of sports and activities.

While an unfortunate reality, concussions are a common part of athletic endeavors. In fact, between 1.7 and 3.3 million sports- and recreation-related concussions happen each year according to the University of Pittsburg Medical Center. Data suggests that up to 2 of every 10 high school athletes will suffer a concussion each year. While a concussion can be a frightening experience for any athlete, there are steps that can be taken to keep the athletes in your life as safe as possible. From proper helmet usage to mindful gameplay, we all have the ability (and responsibility!) to ensure our sports are as safe as possible.

For more information on this and other upcoming events at the New Jersey State Library, please visit their website, linked here: NJSL – Home. You can also keep up with the happenings of the NJ State Library on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. If you have any questions or would like any help with the registration contact, please contact New Jersey State Library staff at (609) 278-2640 for further assistance. Whether you’re scoring goals, slamming home runs, or scoring touchdowns for the home team, all sports are at their best when they’re played with safety, security, and wellness in mind.

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