In-line skaters, skateboarders and bike riders alike are invited to pick up some free protective gear at a local skate park this month.
Xtreme Wheels Indoor Skate Park on Hertel Avenue near Military Road has teamed up with Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo to give away 60 helmets, wrist pads and knee pads Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. Attendees also will receive education about safe sports practices.
"Even if kids can't afford protection, there's no reason they shouldn't have it," said Virginia Clark, who owns Xtreme Wheels with husband Robert. "This is one of those things where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Almost half of all sports-related head injuries occur while during bicycling, skateboarding or skating incidents, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalohas seen a spike in head trauma injuries.
