Tuesday, August 2, 2011
DALLAS, August 2, 2011 – The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), was invited to speak at the 112th Congress Youth Sports Legislative Agenda entitled “F.A.N.S. for Youth Sports” in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports has packaged a number of youth sports-related bills, all in support of Fitness, Access, Nutrition and Safety (F.A.N.S). This event took place during National Youth Sports week on Wednesday, July 27, in the Rayburn House Office Building.
Eric Waters, MS, ATC, PES, head athletic trainer for the Washington Wizards, spoke on behalf of NATA in support of the legislative agenda and to discuss the importance of strengthening the four pillars in youth sports. In addition, NATA was among those organizations listed as supporters of the caucus agenda. “On behalf of NATA, we commend the caucus for its efforts in bringing further attention to these critical issues,” said Waters. “We are supportive of all aspects of the F.A.N.S. initiative, and our primary focus is on athlete safety. While recent attention has been given to athlete safety, it is a discredit to our youth that only 42 percent of high schools have access to an athletic trainer,” he added.
According to Rep. Mike McIntyre, founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, “There are many advantages of sports participation and an active lifestyle – reduced childhood obesity rates, better grades, improved attention at school, lowered hearth care costs, etc. Approximately 50 million American children participate in organized sports. All across our country, youth sports are shaping both the physical and character development of our children. We must do our part to strengthen youth sports, and ensure that our nation’s youth have every opportunity to learn the valuable lessons that youth sports offer.”
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) – Health Care for Life & Sport
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 34,000 members of the athletic training profession.
Eric Waters, MS, ATC, PES, head athletic trainer for the Washington Wizards, spoke on behalf of NATA in support of the legislative agenda and to discuss the importance of strengthening the four pillars in youth sports. In addition, NATA was among those organizations listed as supporters of the caucus agenda. “On behalf of NATA, we commend the caucus for its efforts in bringing further attention to these critical issues,” said Waters. “We are supportive of all aspects of the F.A.N.S. initiative, and our primary focus is on athlete safety. While recent attention has been given to athlete safety, it is a discredit to our youth that only 42 percent of high schools have access to an athletic trainer,” he added.
According to Rep. Mike McIntyre, founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, “There are many advantages of sports participation and an active lifestyle – reduced childhood obesity rates, better grades, improved attention at school, lowered hearth care costs, etc. Approximately 50 million American children participate in organized sports. All across our country, youth sports are shaping both the physical and character development of our children. We must do our part to strengthen youth sports, and ensure that our nation’s youth have every opportunity to learn the valuable lessons that youth sports offer.”
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) – Health Care for Life & Sport
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 34,000 members of the athletic training profession.