Mission
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.
Foundation Initiatives
Texas Sports Medicine Foundation will focus on three distinct and vital
activities:
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Education
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.
Prevention
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.
Grants
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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