Yesterday we attended a program called the Ambassador program. This program’s agenda is geared towards helping US athletes create a positive image at an Olympic/Paralympic event. An important component of the Ambassador program is the concept of “Legacy.”
Legacy is huge for the Paralympics. The Paralympics have become part of the IOC charter, making it more of a funded/inclusive portion of the Olympic movement. Athletes in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics will have much greater world exposure than previous Paralympics. Paralympics are being involved in more advertisement efforts. Our Paralympian will have a greater chance to inspire athletes of all abilities to overcome their barriers (real and perceived).
Physical therapists can and should be on the front line of support. We are often times one of the first healthcare providers to come into contact with future Paralympians. I would encourage all physical therapists to check out the Beijing Paralympics. Learn their 20 games, learn how a person can become involved. Discover how they train and where they train.
The Paralympic legacy and movement is growing. It is a huge source of awe and inspiration.
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Dispatches from the 2008 Paralympic Games - Beijing - September 6-17
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Erik Moen, PT, is a sports physical therapist with national recognition as an expert in the treatment of endurance athletes, specifically cyclists. He has assisted patients in bicycle performance coaching and positioning, retrofitting, injury treatment, exercise planning, and performance.
This September he is lending his expertise to the US Paralympics Cycling team during the Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing. Moen will serve as a Soigneur – a person who performs tissue recovery services for a competing/training athlete, among other administrative assistance.
This September he is lending his expertise to the US Paralympics Cycling team during the Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing. Moen will serve as a Soigneur – a person who performs tissue recovery services for a competing/training athlete, among other administrative assistance.
2 comments:
Erik, Thanks for making the personal sacrifices (closing your practice for 3 weeks, missing the start of school for your kids) to be a part of the Paralympics. I agree that PTs and PTAs can and should help inspire future Paralympians!
You mention in previous postings that you are helping with the hand/road cyclists. I see from the Paralympics website that there are other cycling events as well... will you be assisting with all of the cycling events?
I will be helping the USA cyclists at both the road and velodrome venues once in Beijing :)
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