The Seattle Seahawks and NFL Foundation this week announced a $50,000 grant has been awarded to the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Seattle Children’s and their Athletic Trainers program (AT).

The grant will provide expanded coverage of certified athletic trainers during sporting events and activities for Renton and Tukwila school districts, including Hazen High School, Lindbergh High School, Renton High School and Foster High School.

“Athletic Trainers play a key role in preventing, diagnosing and managing injuries,” Sam Ramsden, Seahawks Director of Player Health and Performance, said in a press release. “This grant enables the certified athletic trainers to spend 200 additional hours at the schools which will provide more consistent coverage and help ensure the health and safety of the athletes.”

Launched in 2008, Seattle Children’s Licensed Certified Athletic Trainers helps athletes develop strength and flexibility to perform better and more safely throughout the season. ATs are skilled in the prevention, assessment, treatment and evaluation of both immediate and ongoing sports-related injuries.

“The Renton School District would like thank the NFL and Seahawks for the certified athletic trainer grant provided to Seattle Children’s,” said Brian Kaelin, Director of Athletics for Renton School District.  “The grant will allow our trainers to serve more teams and athletes and insure they receive the medical attention that they need.”

A recent study from the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that the presence of athletic trainers resulted in lower overall injury rates, improved diagnosis and return-to-play decisions for concussion and other injuries, and fewer recurrent injuries for student athletes. However, nearly two-thirds of high schools lack a full-time athletic trainer and almost thirty-percent do not have access to any athletic training services.

Visit Seattle Children’s Athletic Trainers Program for more information.