9781422288375

Chapter One

Real-Life Stories

S ince he was nearly old enough to walk, sports were a big part of Justin’s life. He seemed to be gifted at whatever sport he tried. But baseball quickly became his favorite. As much as he liked playing sports, what he really loved were the friends he made and the look of pride on his parents’ faces when he and his team won a game. Sports can be very good for you. They can build up your confidence , be a way to meet new people, give you a sense of community , and get your body moving. But as Justin would learn, if you don’t put your safety first, sports can be incredibly dangerous! JUSTIN TRIES TO “SUCK IT UP” When Justin first started playing sports, it was all fun and games. When he was young, his father invited his friends and their children for games of softball in their backyard. A barbecue followed the games. They talked about professional sports , laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. No one was worried about winning the game. The games, then, were really about a group of friends having a reason to get together and have some fun. Of course, the adults kept score, and everyone tried to help their team win the game. But doing your best was all a part of the fun. Having fun was still the most important thing. And if someone

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