IIHS Bio Inquirer 2015 “Zero Sports Injuries” Health Conference Aiming for change in the global sports arena
April 2015 was an exceptionally remarkable month for IIHS (International Institute of Health Sciences) as yet again the globally renowned establishment succeeded in carrying out one of the most appealing and informative health conferences for health care professionals and students around the island. The theme for this year’s IIHS Bio Inquirer “Zero Sports Injuries” International Health Conference was centered on the increased call for sports injury prevention amongst the community and the need for acquiring basic first aid skills amongst the first responders in major sports and health care venues. Furthermore, the conference addressed relevant issues concerning sports nutrition and sports psychology in the global context.
Sri Lanka no doubt excels in having extraordinary sports heroes who not only shine locally but are recognized in the international sports arena. However, together with the increase in popularity and skill, the prevalence in sports related injuries too have regrettably increased drastically. Some of the key driving factors behind this have been proven to be the lack of understanding and familiarity in injury prevention techniques and the deficiency of qualified trainers and specialists.
The Bio Inquirer “Zero Sports Injuries” health conference was held on the 8th of April 2015 at the Main Auditorium of Sri Lanka Foundation Institute and was sup- ported by the Australian Trade Commission, Monash University, George Steuart Health and CIC Pharmaceuticals. The conference was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva (Director of CDDA and The President of the College of Medical Administrators) who addressed the audience and outlined current gaps related to sports injury prevention in the island.
Dr David Young, the honorary surgeon for the Sri Lankan Cricket Team and a globally reputed orthopedic surgeon from Melbourne, Australia addressed the conference delegates as one of the chief speakers and discussed many of the latest evidence based techniques to minimize sport injuries. Additionally, Dr, Nihal De Silva (Dean, IIHS), Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe (Deputy Chairman, IIHS), Dr Ashan Abeygunawardane ( Orthopedic Surgeon and Member of Melbourne Orthopedic Group, Australia), Dr. Upali Banagala (renowned Orthopedic Surgeon, Sri Lanka), Dr. Aranjan Karunanayake (Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya) and Mr. Thayumanavan (Sports Physiotherapist) engaged participants with their captivating discussions on prevention of sports injuries and the rehabilitation process associated with recurrent damage. Furthermore, information on the subject of Sports Nutrition was expressed by Dr. Janaki Goonaratne (Research Scientist, ITI Colombo) whilst Professor Arjuna De Silva (Chairman, Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency) gave an enlightening discussion about the drug and doping effect on sports in the country.
Concurrently, a special workshop for school sports teams and armed forces was conducted at the Sports Ministry grounds which focused on stretching, bandaging, first aid and sports nutrition. The turnout for this outdoor workshop was outstanding with an attendance from school children from Ladies College, Bishops College, Royal College, Thurstan College, Gateway International, Mahamaya Ladies College, Museaus College, Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, Anula Vidyalaya, Zahira College, De Mazonad College, Good Shepard Convent, Sri Dharmaloka Central College, Devi Balika Girls School and Viharamaha Devi Girls School.
On the 9th of April, three hands-on workshops for Taping Techniques, First Aid for Sports Injuries and Sports Nutrition was conducted at the Foundation Institute by Ms. Theruni Wijewardane (Australian qualified Sports Physiotherapist), Dr.David Young, Dr. Ashan Abeygunawaradane, Mr. Thisara Jayasekera (Sports Nutritionist, Institute of Sports Sciences, Ministry of Sports) and Ms. Dilum Weliwita (Dept. Head – Nursing Faculty, IIHS) respectively. An excellent attendance by physiotherapists, nurses, coaches, personal trainers, sports instructor and students was noted.
The Bio Inquirer 2015 “Zero Sports Injuries” International Conference has been acknowledged as the 7th successful health conference organized by IIHS. With a local and internationally qualified academic faculty together with its’ clear advances in the health research sphere, IIHS boasts a reputation for excellence in the areas of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Bio-medical Sciences. Along with this incomparable contribution to the local and international health care arena IIHS has safely secured its place as a high performing tertiary institute in Sri Lanka.
Whilst recognizing the success of another IIHS Bio Inquirer event, Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, Deputy Chairman of IIHS further states, “Bio-Inquirer is a global incubator where knowledge and evidence on healthcare is collected and transmitted internationally. This is an open forum organized by IIHS and has been circulating knowledge through conferences, research forums and publications supporting professionals and students for many years now. This year’s conference has achieved yet another milestone in global education and the objectives of the sports conference have certainly been achieved”.