In this month's (May) issue of SLAP Magazine, a skateboarding publication, there is an article on p.12 that is worth considering. It is a short piece that simply asks:
Why is it acceptable, even commendable, to receive injuries in school sports? Why is it Okay for my young friend Cliff to blow out his Knee in football? Nobody minded.
And in juxtaposition:
Why is it so unacceptable, almost universally condemned, to receive injuries while skateboarding?
Please comment.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Skateboarding Injuries
Does anyone know what perspective a comparison of injury rates between skateboarding and school sports?
You will be surprised!
I will give you some anecdotal material right now, and will supply more stats, as time allows:
On Saturday, I enjoyed the Grand Opening of the brand new Delhi Skatepark. a Great park, well-designed, and worth the gas money for Cincy residents...
600 people showed up! Packed in, skating together, there were somewhere between 2-400 people participating at once! It was incredible.
There were two injuries!
one-a head injury--a little boy, about 8 years old riding a bike. Looked like a bruised orbital.
the other--a typical ankle twist--probably a break. More time for homework...
There was a twisted shoulder and a bruised palm as well.
600 people.
NO FIGHTS
600 people.
2 injuries worth mentioning...
All while SKATEBOARDING!!!!
2 visits from the paramedics!
Meanwhile, the Women's softball league had 3 visits from the paramedics! That day! yet one person had the perspective, "This skatepark was a big mistake. A big mistake." Upon the second call to paramedics...
Pish Posh. That's what I say.
I confidently assert that, after seeing the stats, you'll agree that Skateboarding is healthier and safer than School sports!
Prepare to be surprised.
500+ skateboarders packed in like sardines, taking turns, sharing, helping each other out... and we're surprised at a couple of injuries!
Why is it that wen a kid gets injured in a football game he's a hero?
...and when he (or she--girls are allowed on the skateboarding team) gets hurt skating, he or she is an IDIOT?
This mentality will be destroyed by simple facts.
You will be surprised!
I will give you some anecdotal material right now, and will supply more stats, as time allows:
On Saturday, I enjoyed the Grand Opening of the brand new Delhi Skatepark. a Great park, well-designed, and worth the gas money for Cincy residents...
600 people showed up! Packed in, skating together, there were somewhere between 2-400 people participating at once! It was incredible.
There were two injuries!
one-a head injury--a little boy, about 8 years old riding a bike. Looked like a bruised orbital.
the other--a typical ankle twist--probably a break. More time for homework...
There was a twisted shoulder and a bruised palm as well.
600 people.
NO FIGHTS
600 people.
2 injuries worth mentioning...
All while SKATEBOARDING!!!!
2 visits from the paramedics!
Meanwhile, the Women's softball league had 3 visits from the paramedics! That day! yet one person had the perspective, "This skatepark was a big mistake. A big mistake." Upon the second call to paramedics...
Pish Posh. That's what I say.
I confidently assert that, after seeing the stats, you'll agree that Skateboarding is healthier and safer than School sports!
Prepare to be surprised.
500+ skateboarders packed in like sardines, taking turns, sharing, helping each other out... and we're surprised at a couple of injuries!
Why is it that wen a kid gets injured in a football game he's a hero?
...and when he (or she--girls are allowed on the skateboarding team) gets hurt skating, he or she is an IDIOT?
This mentality will be destroyed by simple facts.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Skateboarding Saved My Life
Skateboarding, and the diversity of its practicioners, has expansive potential to affect inner city youth. Please enjoy this little clip that shows how Skateboarding positively affected one young man.
Positive Aspect:
The McKee Center's dude, Don, called me the other day, asking if I was interested in helping with the youth leadership programs. (I have a ton of experience and background in that stuff)
Yes.
I'll start an initiative that will get at least one great skatepark built in Northside. Then, I'll be available to work with tons of youth in that skatepark. There, they will discover alternatives in life that they would never have, outside the power of skateboarding to bring together people from all walks of life.
Artists
Accountants
Lawyers
...not too many doctors...
There are skaters who will be there whose lives are easily shared over the waits between runs. The kids of our neighborhood will be exposed to PEOPLE. Good people. there are so many.
Besides that, the facility will be a wide open opportunity for camps and classes!
Think about that and leave comments.
Yes.
I'll start an initiative that will get at least one great skatepark built in Northside. Then, I'll be available to work with tons of youth in that skatepark. There, they will discover alternatives in life that they would never have, outside the power of skateboarding to bring together people from all walks of life.
Artists
Accountants
Lawyers
...not too many doctors...
There are skaters who will be there whose lives are easily shared over the waits between runs. The kids of our neighborhood will be exposed to PEOPLE. Good people. there are so many.
Besides that, the facility will be a wide open opportunity for camps and classes!
Think about that and leave comments.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Skatepark Profile: Louisville, KY
Here's what you get when a city awakens to the potential of skateboarding: a world class park, downtown, incorporated into the banks project. Awaken, O mighty giant Cincinnati!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)