Groups to Offer Training on Sports Safety at 5 Sites

Starting next month, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Olympic Committee will offer sports safety courses at Red Cross centers in Inglewood, West Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Burbank and Santa Clarita.

The need for such courses, Red Cross officials said, was highlighted by the recent death of 17-year-old Julius Riofrir and other young athletes. Julius, who was pitching to a teammate, was struck in the head by a ricocheting ball as he warmed up for a baseball game Sunday at Glendale’s Verdugo Park.

The Sports Safety Training course aims at preventing sports injuries at all levels of competition. Dr. Tom Crawford of the U.S. Olympic Committee said the Red Cross was chosen to help develop the program because of its long-standing record in providing emergency training. “In addition, the Red Cross is in every community,” he said. “This delivery system will provide coaches and athletes at all levels convenient access to the program.”

Participants in the seven-hour course will get certificates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and sports safety training. For more information on course dates and times, or to enroll, call the Red Cross at (800) 627-7000.