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Celebration of Paralympic Movement at American College of Sports Medicine
In a series of preconference sessions that preceded the Annual Meeting for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) on 26 May in Seattle, USA, the focus of the third meeting turned to the Paralympic Movement and the strides made therein over the past few years. 27 May 2009
The session, titled “Spirit and Success in Motion: A Celebration of Sports and Life Achievement of People with a Disability”, was attended by several members of the Paralympic community, including International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven. During the session, the human spirit was celebrated, particularly with regard to elite sport for people with a disability.
Sir Philip spoke on this topic, providing insight as both a world class athlete and holder of the highest office within the Paralympic Movement.
“The ACSM Annual Meeting was a chance to spread the spirit of the Paralympic Movement by telling of my experiences on the field of play, as well as when I attended the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games,” Sir Philip said. “It was a great celebration that gave participants in the conference a taste of the four Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.”
Said Dr. Mindy Millard-Stafford, President of the American College of Sports Medicine: “We were honoured to have Sir Philip attend the 2009 ACSM Annual Meeting in Seattle to inspire and excite our membership. We are very pleased to have signed an extension of our partnership through the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games and look forward with great anticipation to our work together.”
Also in attendance was IPC Governing Board Member and Chairperson of the IPC Education Committee Ann Cody. Ms. Cody spoke shortly before Sir Philip’s keynote address, providing an athlete’s perspective on the Paralympic Movement. The session was moderated by Dr. Walter Thompson, ACSM Fellow and member of the IPC Sport Science Committee.
The American College of Sports Medicine was founded in 1954. Since that time, members have applied their knowledge, training and dedication in sports medicine and exercise science to promote healthier lifestyles for people around the globe.
Their Mission Statement reflects this goal: The American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.
For more information about the American College of Sports Medicine, please visit www.acsm.org.