The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is pleased to support FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) in launching Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk, a campaign designed to raise awareness of concussion – a brain injury which should always be taken seriously.
Football continues to be a popular sport in Uganda but is a contact sport, and therefore concussion is a risk to every player on the pitch while FUFA is proud to see approximately 150,000 people participating in football at all levels in Uganda, being aware of concussion can help to make it even more enjoyable.
Suspect and Protect aims to raise awareness of the fact concussion is a brain injury and is a risk to every player on the pitch. It is designed to increase sign and symptom recognition, highlight that symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear, and offer guidance on how to return to play safely following a suspected or confirmed concussion.
Clubs and teams at all levels throughout Uganda will be sent campaign materials to spread the message, including promotion on social media and display in training centres and sports facilities. Uganda national teams will also be given educational resources, for the benefit of everyone involved with our national teams.
“Football ought to be a sport that is safe and secure for all players. The concussion campaign is a step in the right direction of ensuring the safety of all players. Everyone in the sport needs to notice the signs of concussion which can delay for up to three days. We are pleased to partner with FIFA and WHO in sharing vital education around concussion, and hope it helps to raise awareness throughout our football ecosystem. We would like to thank all clubs and leagues who will help to share the message throughout the country,” said Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, Head of Medical – Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
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