Brain GAAme teaches future stars how to avoid injuries

PEOPLE involved in high-impact contact sports are 10 times more likely to develop arthritis.

With many former inter-county GAA players suffering from the condition, including Kerry great Pat Spillane, Arthritis Ireland has teamed up with today’s stars to help children learn how to avoid body damage.

The all-Ireland educational programme, aimed at junior players aged 10 to 12, teaches children how to keep joints healthy.

Inter county players Colin Moran (Dublin), Alan Kerins (Galway) and Diarmuid O’Sullivan (Cork) are all backing the initiative with Donegal Catch also rowing in behind the programme.

Also lending his support is football legend, and winner of eight All-Ireland medals, arthritis sufferer Mr Spillane.

The Brain GAAme initiative, launched for the first time last year, is a three-part fundraising and education programme for fifth and six class students.

Each team taking part will receive a Be Smart and Play Smart wall chart to hang in their classroom and is available in English and Irish.

The chart, developed in conjunction with physiotherapist to the Dublin GAA football team John Murphy, explains what children need to do to look after their joints and avoid injury when having fun and playing sport.

Children and teachers will put what they learn into practice by hosting classes in the Brain GAAmes Goal-a-thon and raise money for Arthritis Ireland.

Classes raising more than €500 get the chance to send their “super-brains” to play the Brain GAAme Quiz at Croke Park in Dublin on October 28.

The three GAA stars will be there to join in the craic and help teams out with the questions.

Mr Spillane yesterday urged young people to get behind the campaign. As a former player he knew that GAA players were at risk of developing arthritis.

“I was determined to be the best sportsman I could be and this involved intensive training and matches at a highly competitive level which put a lot of strain on my joints over the years.”

The Sunday Game presenter believed he could possibly have avoided the condition if a programme like Brain GAAme was available when he was actively involved in the GAA.

“My advice to young players is to enjoy GAA sensibly and take care of themselves,” he stressed.

Tips to keep joints healthy

* Always warm up before exercising and ensure muscles and joints are well stretched.

* Wear sensible training shoes that are comfortable, a good fit and offer good support.

* Cool down exercises should be undertaken after play.

* Eat five helpings of fruit and vegetables every day and eat fish once or twice a week.

* Have fun and drink plenty of water.