Event to focus on improving athlete care and participation levels in sport

A UNIQUE sporting event aimed at improving athlete care and community sports participation will be held in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, this weekend.

The Living health Clinic will hold the inaugural annual Sports Injury Prevention Conference which is aimed at sporting clubs and the active population in the greater Munster region.

The theme of the conference is Prevention is Better than Cure.

A number of interactive workshops dealing with topics such as common sporting injuries, concussion, nutrition for sport and exercises to aid in the prevention of injury will also take place on the day.

Guest of honour is Tipperary hurling legend Nicky English while both the Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy cups will also be on display.

Clinical co-ordinator Breda Hogan described the conference as a great way of educating clubs about the best way to do things to avoid injuries.

“There is a great sense of ownership of the clinic in the community and this is a way of giving something back. It will be a great way of passing on knowledge and educating clubs about the dangers of concussion or not warming up and down correctly.”

Team doctor to the Ireland rugby team and consultant sports physician at Livinghealth Clinic, Dr Eanna Falvey, will be a keynote speaker and will also host a workshop.

According to Dr Falvey, education is an important means of reducing the number of sporting injuries.

“Higher levels of fitness commitment and athlete participation are seen in all levels of sports today — this has resulted in a rise in chronic overuse injury. Coach, trainer and player education is an important way to limit this.”

Clinical director Dr Tom O’Callaghan added: “As part of our commitment to create links between healthcare professionals and our surrounding community we are delighted to be able to support this free Conference to all amateur Sporting Clubs in greater Munster area.

“This free, public event will be invaluable to team representatives attending.”

lThe Sports Injury Prevention Conference will take place on January 22 between 9am and 1pm.