Philadelphia (July 2001)— Magee Rehabilitation Hospital and the Philadelphia X Games Host Committee have teamed up to promote safety during the ESPN X Games. The X Games is a national event showcasing various action sports. Street Luge, Aggressive In Line Skating, Bicycle Stunts, and Skateboarding are unique events featured during the X Games that take place from August 17 to August 22 at the First Union Complex.

While everyone is anticipating a fun and safe time, Magee Rehabilitation reminds all action sports enthusiasts to take the following safety measures:

Always wear the proper protective gear for the sport in which you are involved. (Helmets, knee, elbow, wrist, shin protectors, proper footwear, mouthpiece, and proper clothing)

Keep equipment safely maintained. Keep all your equipment in good working order by following a regular inspection and maintenance schedule.

Stay alert and aware. Whether you are on foot, skating, or on a fun vehicle, always be on the lookout for hazards like potholes, loose rocks, or gravel, or any other obstacle that can cause you to trip and fall, or swerve and crash.

Always warm up before any sports/recreational activities.
Never ignore pain. Seek medical attention if you are hurt.

The statistics of sports-related injuries are sobering:

Research suggests that 85% of bicyclists’ head injuries can be prevented by a bicycle helmet.

In 1998, 758 people died from bicycle related injuries.

Brain injuries cause more deaths than any other sports-related injury.

The most common brain injury is a concussion. There are approximately 300,000 sports-related concussions each year in the United States.

Approximately 75% of all fatal bicycle crashes involve brain injury.

Sports-related injuries are more likely than other injuries to be to the brain or skull and extremities.

Sports-related injuries are the leading cause of emergency room visits among 12-17 year-olds.

Steve Swope, a former competitor and current organizer for the X Games Bicycle Stunt competition, agrees that the use of safety equipment is crucial to action sports. “I always say to wear a helmet absolutely all the time,” said Swope. “I know it’s not the cool thing to wear, but it provides better protection.”

Former BMX bike racer and Magee patient Nick Basile will be at the August 13 X Games Pep Rally in JFK Plaza, 16th and JFK Blvd., from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to share his experiences and advice on action sports safety. Basile will also join wheelchair tennis player Mark Chilutti at the X Games Interactive Village at the First Union Complex from August 17-August 22 to hand out cards featuring safety tips. The safety cards will be designed by Magee Rehabilitation and printed courtesy of Penn Graphic Associates, Inc.

Magee’s involvement in the X Games is part of Think First, a program that Magee takes to local junior and senior high schools to educate young people on avoiding dangerous activities, while also providing common sense safety tips. Magee sends individuals with disabilities to schools to present their personal stories. Nick Basile and Mark Chilutti, both trained Think First presenters, will share their stories with the X Games crowd.