Bike helmets to be given away

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DARKE COUNTY – More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport. A properly fitted bike helmet can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent – yet only 45 percent of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet.

Children are invited to bring their helmet to the Greenville YMCA on Monday, August 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and staff with Rocketship Sports Management will make sure it is properly fitted. If you don’t have a helmet, Rocketship Sports will give you one!

“It’s not the first time Rocketship Sports Management and owners Roger and Christina Bowersock has partnered with the YMCA of Darke County. In previous years their Bike Rodeo at our annual Healthy Kids Day brought awareness of the importance of bike safety. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to the youth of our community in this regard and for their dedication to minimizing injuries caused by bike accidents,” said YMCA CEO Sam Casalano.

The Bicycle Safety Awareness event will feature bike safety checks with bike mechanics on hand for minor repairs or adjustments, helmet fittings and light refreshments.

“With the recent tragedies, Rocketship Sports decided to offer helmets to those who do not have them and properly fit those who already do. A properly fitted helmet reduces the chance of injury and increases the chance that kids will actually wear them,” said Roger Bowersock. “We strongly support the use of properly fitting and buckled helmets for anyone on a bicycle. Helmets have saved my life several times during my racing career and greatly reduced injury in other crashes,” noted Bowersock.

Staff report

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. To learn more about other programs that promote safety for youth in the community, contact YMCA of Darke County Member Services Director Shanna Good at 937-548-3777 or [email protected].

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