Rowan County Schools and UK St. Claire Regional Medical Center are offering free sports physicals to any Rowan County student from grades 2 through 12. The event will be on February 17 inside Rowan County High School from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Renee Smith is the Director of District Health Services and has worked for the school system for 22 years. Smith said it is mandatory that each student-athlete gets a sports physical once a year.
“We need to make sure that they are physically fit, do not have any problems as far as if they can participate in that sport,” said Smith. “Our doctors screen for heart issues, asthma, just a really good physical check-up for those kids to make sure that they are able to participate in those sports.”
Since providing free sports physicals officials said they have seen an increase in students being involved in sports. Smith said she has students from all sports seasons apply and attend the free screenings.
“We are getting ready to start our spring sports which would be softball, baseball, track, we have tennis going on. Right now, we have wrestling, we just recently added wrestling, “said Smith. “I will have all kids come in for maybe going to play a sport as football those kids seem to come in and go ahead and get that done that way when they are ready to start practicing, they are ready to go.”
Any student who is under the age of 18 and wants a sports physical must have a parent or guardian present at their appointment.
If students cannot attend the February 17 event, Rowan County Schools will have another session on Saturday, May 17. More information about the event and the KHSAA form students need to bring for their appointment can be found by contacting Smith at (606) 748-8928, ext. 2020.