August 2, 2012 — The Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC), which was selected to host many of the Icelandic Olympians because of its state-of-the-art clinic facilities and renowned expertise in supporting elite athletes, held an open afternoon to give members of the public the opportunity to meet the team.
The contingent, which includes some of Iceland’s top track and field athletes as well as three of their head coaches, were joined by the President of the Icelandic Athletics Federation, Jónas Egilsson.
Other notable guests included the Mayor of Bournemouth; British Chiropractic Association President Richard Brown; Bournemouth football player Mark Mosley; and several members of Bournemouth Rugby Club including Callum Forrest, Dan Pollard, and Sam Hardcastle. Bournemouth Council was also represented by Shaun Woodland.
Javelin thrower, Ásdís Hjálmsdóttir, who was the flag bearer for Iceland in the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday, along with marathon runner Kari Steinn Karlsson and shot put giant Óðinn Björn Þorsteinsson have been in Bournemouth with their coaches in advance of their London 2012 events.
Marathon runner Kari Steinn Karlsson said; “It’s been brilliant staying at the AECC in Bournemouth. The staff and students have all been so helpful, the facilities are fantastic and they are able to meet our dietary requirements, which has been great.”
As well as taking advantage of AECC’s specialist sports and training facilities, the athletes have been supported by AECC’s world class faculty and each have a team of dedicated student interns.
Icelandic coach, Gunnar Páll Jóakimsson said; “Having the pre-Olympic training camps at the AECC in Bournemouth ensures that the athletes get the best physical treatment possible and be at their best physical state when entering the most important competition of their lives. Staying in Bournemouth, away from the stress and noise of the city, helps the athletes to stay focused and relaxed both during training and rest time.”
AECC was recommended to the team by Jon Arnar Magnusson, a chiropractor and AECC graduate who as a decathlete competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
BCA President, Richard Brown said; “To have Olympic athletes at the AECC is a real measure of care that chiropractors can offer. On the eve of the biggest sporting event of their lives that these elite athletes choose chiropractic speaks volumes.”
The event began with a formal welcome from AECC Principal, Professor Haymo Thiel in which he introduced the athletes and their coaches. Jónas Egilsson, President of the Icelandic Althletics Federation, presented a gift to thank AECC for its hospitality in the run up to the Olympic games. He also spoke of his support for chiropractic being included as part of the multidisciplinary team for elite athletes. The Mayor of Bournemouth also welcomed the team on behalf of the Bournemouth people.
There was an opportunity to watch the athletes demonstrate some of their training regimes before a photo call and autograph signing. The event finished with a question and answer session with the athletes and their coaches.
AECC Principal, Professor Haymo Thiel said; “We are proud and honored to have members of the Icelandic team at the AECC. It is great for Bournemouth and we wish them every success in their upcoming events.”
Source: Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, aecc.ac.uk
