"Get into the Game" Carnival promotes injury prevention in children’s sports

By Michael Ford
University News Services

RICHMOND, Va. — Children and their parents are encouraged to attend the free "Get Into the Game" Carnival from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on May 6 at the Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad St., adjacent to the Science Museum of Virginia.

With the goal of preventing injuries, the carnival will feature sports-specific booths offering hands-on demonstrations of the proper equipment to wear, educational games and special conditioning suggestions, such as the importance of stretching, hydration and nutrition. As children complete a booth, they will receive stickers to put in "Prevention Passports." At the end of the carnival, children can turn in the passport for an "I Play It Safe" T-shirt and other prizes.

Local players from the Richmond Braves as well as cheerleaders and a mascot from the Richmond Rhythm will make special appearances at the carnival. Event organizers include Virginia Commonwealth University’s Sports Medicine Clinics, the Virginia Safe Kids Coalition and the American Red Cross of Greater Richmond.

The carnival will feature a sweepstakes for a chance to win a week’s tuition for two children at any sports camp. For information, call Henri Tosoc at VCU Sports Medicine Clinics at (804) 828-0713.