Wipe Out

Gr 9 Up—Brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among young Canadian men, and many of them stem from accidents occurring during participation in extreme sports. This moving documentary illustrates three such cases stemming from tragic mishaps involving snowboarding, biking, and rollerblading. Narrated by Olympic gold medal-winning snowboarder Ross Rebagliati, the young men share their stories, frequently utilizing actual video footage as well as recreations to illustrate how their injuries occurred. Interviews with physicians, therapists, and other caregivers include wonderfully crafted computer graphics to depict the degree and types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) each young man suffered. The film illustrates how the risk-taking inherent in these activities can cause debilitating accidents that can impact mental functioning and motor skills, and can cause personality changes. The young victims present programs at schools to others who are involved in extreme sports and urge them to at least wear helmets and other safety equipment and to learn from their tragedies when attempting risky behaviors. A useful teacher's guide at the program's website (wipeout.knowledgenetwork.ca/wipeout.html) offers discussion suggestions. Chapter selection is not available. A potentially valuable resource.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL