Seattle Seahawks help fund AT programs at local schools

Via Seahawks.com

The Seattle Seahawks and NFL Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Seattle Children’s and their Athletic Trainers program (AT). The grant will provide expanded coverage of certified athletic trainers during sporting events and activities for Renton and Tukwila school districts, including Foster High School, Hazen High School, Lindbergh High School and Renton High School.

“Athletic Trainers play a key role in preventing, diagnosing and managing injuries,” said Sam Ramsden, Seahawks Director of Player Health and Performance. “This grant enables the certified athletic trainers to spend 200 additional hours at the schools which will provide more consistent coverage and help ensure the health and safety of the athletes.”

Launched in 2008, Seattle Children’s Licensed Certified Athletic Trainers helps athletes develop strength and flexibility to perform better and more safely throughout the season. ATs are skilled in the prevention, assessment, treatment and evaluation of both immediate and ongoing sports-related injuries.

“The Renton School District would like thank the NFL and Seahawks for the certified athletic trainer grant provided to Seattle Children’s,” said Brian Kaelin, Director of Athletics for Renton School District.  “The grant will allow our trainers to serve more teams and athletes and insure they receive the medical attention that they need.”

A recent study from the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that the presence of athletic trainers resulted in lower overall injury rates, improved diagnosis and return-to-play decisions for concussion and other injuries, and fewer recurrent injuries for student athletes. However, nearly two-thirds of high schools lack a full-time athletic trainer and almost thirty-percent do not have access to any athletic training services.

“The Tukwila School District is very grateful to the NFL and Seahawks for providing this grant that will greatly benefit our student athletes,” said Harvard Jones, Director of Athletics, Tukwila School District.  “Our athletic trainer Geniqua Harris, provided by Seattle Children’s Hospital, is a great resource for our student athletes and the additional hours will allow her more time to work with them to prevent and manage injuries.”

Visit Seattle Children’s Athletic Trainers Program for more information.