President Barack Obama says the United States needs to do more to protect the heath and safety of kids who play contact sports.
Speaking Thursday at the White House's first Healthy Kids & Safe Sports Concussion Summit, Obama said sports are "vital to this country" and teach important lessons on how to succeed not just on the field, but in life.
He says Americans have the responsibility to create a safe environment for participants.
Obama thanked attendees from the sports industry who donated millions of dollars for safety projects. One involves a collaboration between the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Department of Defense, because concussions are also a major injury for men and women in the armed services.
He warned national statistics show nearly 250,000 young people visit emergency rooms each year with brain injuries related to sports or recreation.
Speaking Thursday at the White House's first Healthy Kids & Safe Sports Concussion Summit, Obama said sports are "vital to this country" and teach important lessons on how to succeed not just on the field, but in life.
He says Americans have the responsibility to create a safe environment for participants.
Obama thanked attendees from the sports industry who donated millions of dollars for safety projects. One involves a collaboration between the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Department of Defense, because concussions are also a major injury for men and women in the armed services.
He warned national statistics show nearly 250,000 young people visit emergency rooms each year with brain injuries related to sports or recreation.
