08/22/2005 7:26 AM - In a couple of weeks, families with school-aged children will be gearing up to begin a new school year. Along with shopping for new shoes, loading up backpacks and checking bus schedules, many parents will be signing up their sons and daughters for fall sports and activities.

In an effort to promote safe participation in youth sports, Providence and Saint John are teaming up with the Kansas City T-Bones to present the first-ever Kids’ Sports and Health FunFest on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., outdoors at Providence Medical Center, 8929 Parallel Parkway, in Kansas City, Kan.

At this free community event, kids ages six to 12, will have the opportunity to learn and practice techniques they can use on and off the field to improve their game and avoid injuries. At the Kids’ Sports and Health FunFest, youth will rotate through mini-sessions designed to improve their skills in several popular sports including baseball, soccer, basketball, football, golf, hockey, track and softball. Collegiate athletes as well as community recreational specialists will coach youth participants on technique and safety. They’ll also have the opportunity to learn from professional players from the Kansas City T-Bones Baseball Club, check out the T-Bones Speed Pitch, Bounce House and meet Sizzle.

While the kids are batting, pitching, kicking, shooting, throwing, putting and dribbling their way through hands-on interactive mini sessions, parents will have the chance to learn more about nutrition, strength training and injury prevention from Providence and Saint John staff and community experts.

“As participation in youth sports continues to accelerate, it’s essential to provide resources that keep young athletes as healthy as possible,” said John Vani, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a sub-specialty in sports medicine. “Providence and Saint John are committed to providing education and training programs that help kids stay active and injury-free.”

“We believe this is a great way to improve the health of area families and support the lifestyles of the community members we serve,” said Catherine Rice, Director of Marketing and Volunteer Services. “The fact that it’s fun and it’s free is an added bonus.”

Event partners include from the Kansas City T-Bones Baseball Club, Kansas City Comets Major Indoor Soccer, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation, Benedictine College, the University of Saint Mary and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Advance registration for this family event is recommended. Call 1-800-281-7777 to register. This outdoor event will take place on the south side of the Providence campus. Signs will direct visitors to event attractions and free parking.

Providence in Kansas City, Kan., and Saint John in Leavenworth, Kan. are committed to the pursuit of complete wellness. As affiliates of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health Care System, the hospitals are proud to provide the full continuum of care that meets the healthcare needs of the communities they serve. Since 2003, Providence and Saint John have partnered with the Kansas City T-Bones to provide sports medicine services to players and health screenings and wellness programs to community members.