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THE THIRD WORLD CONGRESS OF SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY: VANCOUVER 2019
The Third World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy October 4-5 was a complete success! A sold out crowd of 500 enjoyed presentations from speakers from around the world, and had plenty of time to network with global colleagues.
The networking was half the fun!
The Vancouver Convention Centre was a wonderful location for the Congress, nestled on the harbor and facing the mountains. The SPC Organizing Committee did a superb job of planning and executing the conference.
The SPC Organizing Committee: Jean-Francois Esculier, Erik Torchia, Timberly George Ambler, Allison Ezzat, Chris Napier.
Speakers included Dr. Emma Stokes, president of WCPT; Dr. Kristian Thorborg, president of IFSPT; Prof Anthony Schneiders, former president of IFSPT; and Dr. Karen Litzy.
Thank you to Sport Physiotherapy Canada for being such a positive host for the Third World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy!
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THE THIRD WORLD CONGRESS OF SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY: AN ATTENDEE VIEW
By Bakare Ummukulthoum
 It was definitely a long way off from Johannesburg to Vancouver as I began my journey to attend the Third World Congress on Sports Physical Therapy scheduled for 4-5, October 2019 preceded by the IFSPT general meeting on the 3rd of October, 2019. I was really looking forward to my trip not only because I had never been to Canada nor have I attended any of the World Congresses in Sports Physiotherapy. I was also up for nomination by my member organization for a position on the executive board. Being the first African country to be affiliated to the IFSPT, we had come a long way from more than a decade ago. It seemed surreal but then again it was an opportunity to serve at the highest level with the backing of the vote of confidence from colleagues. I was looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.
I finally arrived in the host city after making pit stops in Abu Dhabi, New York, and Montreal following traveling for almost three days! However, my journey started long before it even began as I had to sort out the hassles of an entry visa application to get to Canada. I had filed my application early enough and was ecstatic when I got the feedback that it was successful. Most of my other colleagues who wished to travel from the African Continent were not as lucky as for many applications were still pending for consideration as of time to travel. I arrived in Vancouver as tired as can be and checked into my accommodation to get ready for the day in the early hours the day before kickoff. What a beauty to behold when I awoke refreshed and took a walk along the pier where the Vancouver Convention Centre resided majestically overlooking a view of mountains on the other side.
This would be our stomping ground for the next three days as Sport Physiotherapy Canada (SPC) had pulled out all the stops to welcome delegates from across the globe for the all-important meeting of sports physical therapists. Vancouver is a coastal seaport city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia and the most populous city in the province. It is no surprise that the city is consistently named as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life. The SPC had chosen a very apt location to execute Canadian hospitality for the next three days.
DAY I
A series of pre-congress workshops took place covering the lifespan of the athlete and a concussion course. The IFSPT Networking session also took place, where members of MOs interacted and got to know one another. During this time delegates engaged in activities in groups to proffer ideas to the executive board in moving forward for global PTs. Subgroup discussions covered mentorship, education, research and membership.
 The IFSPT general meeting then took place, where Tony Schneiders, the outgoing President, presided. As the GM proceedings concluded and the baton of leadership for 2019-2021 was passed on, new EB members were elected unopposed and old EB members emerged with new roles.
The day wrapped up with a social event organized by the IFSPT board. The Tap and Barrel's Barrel Room was the site, with IFSPT members treated to a relaxed evening and sumptuous canapés.
DAY II
Day one of the congress began in earnest with distinguished speakers from far and wide, within and outside the sports physical therapy fraternity. Keynote sessions from Prof Roald Bahr of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre, Norway, to Dr. Amelia Arundale of the Brooklyn Nets, as well as arguably one of the leading global figures in Sports Medicine Research, Prof Karim Khan who happened to be technically hosting us in his city. Over 500 physical therapists were in attendance. The day concluded with the official welcome cocktail event by the SPC. Delegates from around the world were able to experience firsthand the hospitality of our hosts. A significant amount of exhibitors were on hand to showcase their products and engage delegates.
DAY III
Day two of the congress continued with zest and kicked off with a fun run in the early part of the morning to the cool Vancouver fresh air. With the same tempo as the day before, the sessions were thought-provoking and interactive. There was also time to visit exhibitor booths and take a break for lunch and tea. On and off the session delegates were able to mingle and discuss how practice and professionalism can move to the next level for the benefit of both performance and recreational athletes in our care. The WCPT President Dr. Emma Stokes emphasized in her talk the need to continue to develop and expand their networks. "Don't forget to do two up, two sideways and two downs," she remarked. This is her own ideal of reiterating that it is important at any given time to have two senior colleagues who you can look up to in the profession as mentors, two of your own peers you can reach out to and two younger colleagues you are willing to mentor and help along their own career journey. There were awards given to the best presentations and also other prizes were given out to delegates for their active participation in the conference program as a whole.
RECAP
Vancouver was a delight to see. The weather was mostly immaculate and as anticipated the rains came pouring down too. What will a visit to Vancouver be without its inevitable showers? The food was great and the people, in general, were very friendly and helpful. Every morning I took a 7-minute ambulatory commute from my temporary abode to the Convention Centre and it was a great kick-starter for the day. I met up with some old friends and colleagues and struck up new alliances. Memorably, I met up with a brother and colleague Babayinka Oluteye who is still an active member of my MO, the Nigeria Sports Physiotherapy Association despite having emigrated to British Columbia Canada about a decade ago. His unwavering support and determination to continue to sustain the vision from the diaspora are very encouraging. The Congress in Canada was packed full with a load of information and ideas to process and as the final day drew to a close, it was mixed emotions to see the event come to an end. However, I am delighted about the possibilities with the new alliances and friendships to continue the discussions long after we may have all left for our various destinations. To the dynamic duo of Chris Napier and Timberly George Ambler and the entire SPC, I say a huge thank you for being so welcoming and showcasing the hospitality of Vancouver at its finest. The trip to Canada was very rewarding.
As I returned back to base on the continent of Africa, I cannot help but be excited about what the future holds for IFSPT. Having been elected on the executive board, I will now be joining forces with my colleagues there under the leadership of Kristian Thorborg who has worked tirelessly in the years leading up to this moment with his pedigree on and off the field. Of course, it is a journey where all hands need to be on deck and we need the support of the sports physiotherapy community to help us achieve the mandate of now and for generations ahead. I am looking forward to welcoming delegates for the next World Congress which is now scheduled to take place from August 19-21 in Nyborg, Denmark. See you there!
Bakare Ummukulthoum writes from Johannesburg, South Africa. She is a board-licensed (Nigeria& United Kingdom) sports physiotherapist and doctoral student at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, a new member of the IFSPT Executive Board(2019- ) and a member of the Medical and Scientific Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
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WELCOME TO THE NEW IFSPT EXECUTIVE BOARD!
The World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy was the setting for the biennial International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy's General Meeting and Election.
Four long-time members of the board finished their two term maximum and were thanked for their service to the IFSPT. Hopefully they will continue to be active with the IFSPT and share their experience!
The 2017-2019 IFSPT Executive Board: Colin Paterson; Carlo Ramponi; Kristian Thorborg; Tony Shneiders (outgoing president); Luciana de Michelis; Gordon Eiland (outgoing treasurer); Mary Wilkinson, Director of Marketing; and Craig Smith (outgoing representative at large). Not shown: Maria Constantinou, outgoing secretary, who was unable to be in Vancouver due to a family emergency.
The new board is comprised of
Kristian Thorborg, Denmark, President
Colin Paterson, UK, Vice President
Walt Jenkins, USA, Treasurer
Luciana de Michelis, Brazil, Secretary
Carlo Ramponi, Italy, Representative at Large
John Fitzgerald, Australia, Representative at Large
Ummukulthoum "KT" Bakare, Representative at Large
Thank you to our past executive board and welcome to our new members!
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FOURTH WORLD CONGRESS OF SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY: NYBORG, DENMARK 2021!
Save the Date!
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HOSTING THE WORLD CONGRESS OF SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY: PRESENTATIONS FOR 2023 CONGRESS DUE MARCH 1!
The World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy is presented biennially by the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT) in conjunction with its member organizations. It is designed for sports physical therapists and other disciplines who train and rehabilitate active individuals of all ages, genders, abilities and level of participation. The Congress was developed to provide high quality education using current research, the most expert presenters and the newest methods to restore all active persons to play.
Past congresses have welcomed 500-800 sports physical therapists from all seven continents.
This unique and groundbreaking event also hosts the IFSPT General Meeting, drawing individuals from all IFSPT member organizations to the congress.
IFSPT member organizations in good standing may bid to host this congress. Application for hosting may be found below.
Please submit 2023 applications to Mary Wilkinson, IFSPT Director of Marketing, at
mwilkinson@opusdesignad.com no later than March 1!
Member organizations may also choose to partner with the IFSPT for conferences outside the World Congress, bringing the educational and marketing power of the IFSPT to their national conferences. Please contact Mary Wilkinson at mwilkinson@opusdesignad.com for more information.
For more information about the World Congress, participation or application, please contact Mary Wilkinson, IFSPT Director of Marketing, at mwilkinson@opusdesignad.com.
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IFSPT SECRETARY LUCIANA DE MICHELIS PRESENTS TO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN LEBANON
The 5th International Scientific Days of the National Institute of Physiotherapy in Lebanon, entitled "Evidence Based: Clinical Practice and Prevention", was held in the Conferences Palace, Dbayeh, on the 11th and 12th of October 2019.
Luciana De Michelis Mendonça, IFSPT secretary, talked about "Risk Profile for Patellar Tendinopathy in Volleyball and Basketball Athletes" and participated in a round table with members from other societies, such as
Wilma Erasmus
from the International Private Physical Therapy Association and
Judith Deutsch,
f
rom the International Neurological Physical Therapy Association. The aim of the round table was to amplify those specialties in Lebanon. According to Dr. Tanios Abboud, president of the Order of Physiotherapists in Lebanon, the conference achieved the purpose of benefiting from the capabilities of the most involved people around the world.
"In this occasion's address, I draw upon the wis
dom of Nelson Mandela," he said " 'What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived, it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
'
From here I can say, as much as we are excited and passionate to receive knowledge and culture, as much as we can play an essential role in changing the course of human life."
Lebanon also hosted a lovely dinner for speakers at the event.
Lebanon is organizing a Sport Physiotherapy Group to join IFSPT in the future. Thanks to Lebanon for the warm welcome to Luciana and IFSPT!
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APPLY TO BECOME A REGISTERED INTERNATIONAL SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPIST
G
ive your professional status a boost by registering as an International Sports Physical Therapist!
Members of approved countries - those with established national pathways - may apply to be recognized as a Registered International Sports Physical Therapist simply by purchasing a five-year registration certificate for 50 euros. These individuals are pre-approved. Your membership within your country's specialist pathway will be confirmed, and your certificate e-mailed to you for printing and display.
- Australia: Titled Sports Physiotherapist
- Canada: SPC Credential Program
- Denmark
- Ireland: Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, Level 3 Accreditation in Sports Physiotherapy
- Italy: Italian Sport Physical Therapist accredited - 3th level of certification through GISPT SPT pathway
- New Zealand: Complete the Specialisation Pathway through the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Must complete specialisation in the Sports Category.
- Norway
- Sweden - Sports Physiotherapy Specialization
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom: Continuing Professional Development Level 3, Gold
- United States: APTA Sports Certified Specialist
Interested in having your organization's pathway approved for qualification for Registered International Sports Physical Therapy? Contact Colin Paterson, Education Committee Chair.
Please note that once application is made, the IFSPT must gain approval from the home organization before certificates are created.
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UPCOMING CONGRESSES
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REGISTER NOW!
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