The sports medicine experts converged in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital with the aim of optimising the health and athletic performance of professional athletes as well as to explore areas of advanced practice in their specialized field.
As part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the Nigeria Association of Sports Medicine (NASMED) the body held a two-day Symposium with the theme: “Charting a New Path for Sports Medicine in Nigeria.”
The body also aims to revolutionized sports medicine in the country by focusing on critical areas of the practice such as the nexus between physical activity and health, the application of scientific research and practice to the optimize health and general wellbeing of professional athletes.
While highlighting NASMED journey so far as a leading professional body since inception, the President of the association, Dr Olajide Adebola said it was founded to provide an independent platform for sports medicine practitioners.
The association he said has so far grown into a multidisciplinary powerhouse, bringing together experts ranging from sports physicians to psychologists amongst others in the field.
According to Dr. Olajide Adebola, “We as an association are committed to working in collaboration with relevant bodies to establish a comprehensive sports ecosystem, including integrating sports physiotherapy, psychology, nutrition, and other key disciplines to pave the way for more professionals in these fields, without which we would not have enough skilled hands across Nigeria.”
He stressed that, “It is vital to address the needs of two categories of athletes: elite athletes who compete for fame and podium finishes, and recreational athletes who frequent fitness and wellness centers.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel said he is committed to ensuring that the association strengthens its capacity to support athletes accross sports disciplines.
“What we are doing here is truly significant, and it is vital to promote this effort across Nigeria.”
The NOC President pledged his commitment to ensuring that both Olympic sports and non-Olympic sports receive the attention they deserve.
“This seminar is especially important because it raises awareness about the work of NASMED and its impact nationwide and I lend my full support.”
He therefore assure the association that the Nigeria Olympic Committee will continue to back them as it grows and strengthens its capacity to support athletes, foster the learning movement, and contribute to the development of the country as a whole.
Sports medicine entails the medical and paramedical supervision, of athletes in training and in competition, with the goal of prevention and treatment of injuries that may arise in the course of physical activity.
Since the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896 and the resultant increased participation in sport and training for sports, it became important to not only prevent and treat sports injury but also advance the scientific knowledge of the limits of human performance and the causes of fatigue.
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