Parker provides chiropractic care during South American Games

June 12, 2010 — Seven Parker College student interns from the student abroad program in Colombia and their faculty chiropractor joined the Olympic healthcare staff in the 2010 South American Games by providing chiropractic care for the country of Colombia where they made history by becoming the champion of the games for the first time.

The games were held in Medellin, Colombia including 15 competing countries for two weeks in 42 sports.

Student interns Terry Lea, Robert Cox, April Holly, Edward Newsome, Joseph Passanante, Eric Phipps, and Victoria Wirtz treated the Colombia athletes that competed in 42 different sports, under the supervision of Dr. Sarah SantoDomingo ’07.

The South American Games are a multisport event that develops between the South American countries belonging to the Sports South American Organization (ODESUR). The games included participation from 15 nations including Netherlands Antilles, Bolivia, Panama, Suriname, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Aruba, Chile, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.

The group of interns participated in the opening ceremony parade walking among the Colombian athletes with 41,000 spectators at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.

During the games, the interns evaluated and adjusted athletes at two different stations. Some of the interns were also invited to attend boxing, skating, and shooting competitions so that they could treat them during the games. The medical staff at Medellin was very impressed with the results and has decided they want to bring chiropractic to their local athletes in Antioquia.

The interns also caught the attention of the media and were interviewed by Teleantioquia, a local TV channel, as well as the official games website.

“It was definitely a great experience for these young interns,” said Dr. SantoDomingo. “The people made them feel welcome and the athletes responded very positively to the care. They felt excited and grateful for the wonderful opportunity of being part of the Colombian Delegation. They wore the blue and gold uniform with pride and supported the athletes at their competitions.”

Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president at Parker College of Chiropractic and a native of Colombia, also attended competitions and took time out to spend with the students. They all witnessed Colombia making history and winning 372 medals.

Source: Parker College of Chiropractic, www.parkercc.edu