The goal of the Texas Sports Medicine Foundation is to level the medical paying field for economically disadvantaged high-school athletes by ensuring they have access to the same level of medical care, expertise and treatment for their sports-related injuries as is the accepted medical standard, regardless of ability to pay, so they may achieve their ultimate potential in athletics and in life. The Foundation is also dedicated to supporting and developing research studies related to improving the environment in which student athletes practice, train and compete. Texas Sports Medicine Foundation will focus on three distinct and vital activities:     We believe the key to a successful, safe and prosperous athletic career lies in education. Athletes, coaches and parents will benefit from information about fitness, nutrition, supplementation strength training, stretching, injury prevention and steroid dangers. Our aim is to provide a succinct reference source available to all who participate in athletics through our website (www.tsmfoundation.org) and mailings. Most sports injuries result from excessive or improper training techniques and can be avoided. And while acute injuries do occur, they can be decreased, or their severity minimized, if the proper immediate medical protocol is applied by those charged with on-site care: namely, athletic trainers and coaches. We are particularly concerned with student athletes’ cardiac health and the increasing incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome. This rare, but potentially fatal, condition can be prevent with a series of appropriate tests and the availability of electronic defibrillators, which TSMF will work to make available to every high school athletic program that cannot otherwise afford them. The rising cost of healthcare, as well as limitations of many health insurance plans, has prevented many promising – but injured – young athletes from reaching their full potential and using their athletic skills to achieve a college education. Beginning January 2006, we will offer grants to needy families whose student athletes require essential medical care or safety equipment, but cannot otherwise afford them. The grants will be administered without regard to race or gender, to any eligible high-school student (grades 9-12) who plays a school-sponsored sport.

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