Within the realm of International athletics “Sports Chiropractic” is a relatively unknown term. Through decades of tireless effort from the members of the Federation Internationale de Chiropratique du Sport (International Sports Chiropractic Federation) or “FICS” this is beginning to change. The evidence of this change was clearly seen at the 2005 World Games in Duisberg, Germany this past July.
26 Chiropractors from 8 different countries, 6 of which were U.S. members of FICS’ American national governing body, the United States Sports Chiropractic Federation who are also members of the ACA Sports Council, were chosen to participate at the 7th World Games through a blinded selection process similar to the one used by the US Olympic Committee.
One of the goals of FICS is to introduce the benefits Sports Chiropractic to International Sports Federations throughout the world. As in our daily practices teaching the advantages Chiropractic is sometimes met with ignorance, suspicion and prejudice. In a country like Germany were manipulation is also performed by unqualified individuals as well as educated Chiropractors, the expectation was to be treated with much reservation. To diminish these concerns presentations were given to the Duisberg Organizing Committee well in advance of the games. This opened many doors of understanding and cooperation from the medical committee and for those organizing the games. We were met with enthusiasm, respect and open armed cooperation. From full accreditation, team clothing, comfortable accommodations; to acceptance, wide eyed curiosity for our brand of care and open communication in consultation with almost everything that walked through the door.
Assembling a team of experienced sports chiropractors who interface seamlessly with the medical team and organizing committee proved to be a valuable asset. From the start the influential efforts of this chiropractic team were felt. Acknowledgment from athletes, coaches, administrators and sports federations began to stream in. The FICS team averaged 130 treatments per day from 24 different sports and 35 nations with a high of 186 treatments in one day. The FICS team was recognized by Ron Froelich, President of the International World Games Association with a plaque at the beginning of the second week of competition. FICS was also invited to participate at the next World Games and asked to submit a proposal for participation at the Asian Games as well as at future International Federation venues.
The influential efforts of this FICS team goes beyond the athletic improvement of their patients at the World Games. The implications for greater acceptance run much deeper in a country where there are only 60 credentialed Chiropractors. A half million spectators and daily television coverage watching doctors with “FICS Chiropractor” on their shirts treat athletes is a huge milestone for the German. Sports Chiropractic Council. The importance of having colleagues from the German medical community see first hand the value of chiropractic in a field setting is monumental for Chiropractic in Germany. Receiving numerous letters of recommendation from International Sports Federations is enormous for chiropractic’s acceptance in International sport. The significance of having representatives from the International Olympic Committee witness lines of athletes waiting to be seen by a sports chiropractor states volumes in our continuing efforts to be recognized within the Olympics and other International venues.
It is moments like these which make one proud to witness a step forward, to be a colleague of those who made this a reality, to appreciate those who work behind the scenes in paying membership dues in support of our efforts and in recognition of those who got the doors of opportunity like this one shut to them in years past. This was certainly a step forward.
Timothy W. Ray, DC
United States Sports Chiropractic Federation
P944T@Juno.com
