SMARTRISK is pleased the government of Canada will invest $5 million over the next two years to support injury prevention in sports and recreation among children and youth. With a focus on preventing major injuries such as concussions, drowning and fractures, this new investment will leverage the work and networks of non-governmental organizations to promote the safety of children and youth in high-participation activities such as hockey, snow sports, cycling and water sports, the government said in a news release.

SMARTRISK President and CEO Philip Groff attended the March 16 announcement in Montreal at the government’s invitation, along with other leaders in injury prevention across Canada. Dr. Groff says he is delighted the government is supporting injury prevention in sports and recreation among children and youth. “Participating in sports and recreational activities is an important part of an active, healthy lifestyle for Canada’s youth – but it is also a major source of injury, sometimes traumatic.”

“Sport and recreation activities contribute to a significant number of injuries among children and youth, yet many of those injuries are predictable and preventable,” said Minister of State for Sport, Gary Lunn. “That’s why we’re investing in initiatives to reduce injuries while creating the conditions for active and safe play.”

Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health and of Health Promotion and Healthy Living and Ministers responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation have endorsed a Declaration on Prevention and Promotion, agreeing to work together and with others to make the promotion of health and the prevention of disease, disability and injury a priority. Ministers have also committed to working together to make the environments where children live, learn and play more supportive of physical activity. Promoting active and safe play builds on these commitments to ensure the health and safety of Canada’s children and youth.

See the full release.