Sporting Health Group organises Olympic Sports Medicine Evening

LONDON, ENGLAND, August 18, 2012 (Press-News.org) The event, held on Monday 6th August 2012, brought together over 100 Sports Medicine professionals from 73 National Olympic Committees for the first time and provided Aspetar, the Middle East's first specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, with a platform to share its pioneering research on 'Heat and Ramadan in Elite Sport'. Furthermore this educational and cultural event introduced the 'Qatar Experience' to a true international audience.

-- Aspetar: leaders in Sports Medicine --

Located in a state-of-the-art facility and staffed by some of the world's leading sports medicine practitioners and researchers, Aspetar works to assist athletes to reach their maximum potential as well as playing a pivotal role in exchanging knowledge in the sports medicine field.

The hospital is situated within the Aspire Zone, a modern multi-purpose leisure and recreation complex that played host to many high profile sporting events. Aspetar, a recognised FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, has worked with Sporting Health Group for the past two years and provides the medical services for the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Qatar Football Association.

-- Sharing the 'Qatar Experience' with leading international experts --

Redesigned by the Qatar Olympic Committee for the London 2012 Olympics, Qatar House was open daily to visitors, athletes, media and private guests. The House gave visitors the opportunity to experience a host of exhibitions, programs and events that explored and celebrated Qatari sports and culture.

The importance of this event was illustrated by the attendance of leading figures in Sports Medicine, specially selected by Sporting Health Group. Delegates included Dr Richard Budgett (Chief Medical Officer for London 2012 and future Medical Director of the IOC), Dr Patrick Schamasch (current Medical Director for the IOC), Dr Ken van Someren (Head of Medical and Sports Science for Team GB), Dr Peter Baquie (Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Olympic Committee) and Professor Lars Engebretsen (Head of Scientific Activities at the IOC) among others.

-- Educating professionals on Ramadan and Heat in Elite Sport --

With the 2012 Olympics taking place during the Islamic month of Ramadan, Dr Christopher Herrera (a full-time researcher at Aspetar) delivered an opening talk on the effects of Ramadan and fasting in elite sport. Chaired by Professor Ron Maughan of Loughborough University, the presentation provided guidance on training, nutrition and sleep for athletes observing Ramadan and how physical performance can be maintained.

One of the key subjects of debate ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup has focused on the effects of heat on performance. This session, delivered by Dr Sebastien Racinais (an expert in thermoregulation and heat in exercise at Aspetar) and chaired by Professor Greg Whyte (Liverpool John Moores University), updated delegates on the latest research and provided a series of evidence based recommendations for medical staff.

"This unprecedented event gave Olympic Sports Medicine professionals the opportunity to network in an educational and cultural setting" Richard Pullan, Founder of Sporting Health Group said after the event. "Aspetar's rich history of excellence in sports medicine and sports science innovation was well delivered alongside the culture of Qatar".

Images from the evening can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sportinghealthgroup