Athlete welfare in focus; NSC to host physiotherapist workshop on February 27

The National Sports Commission (NSC) will host a specialised Physiotherapist Workshop on February 27 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, as part of its continued efforts to strengthen athlete care and medical support across the country’s expanding sports sector.

The initiative was formalised following a collaborative meeting between the NSC and the Ministry of Health’s Disability and Rehabilitation Services Department, headed by Dr. Ariane Mangar.

The partnership reflects a growing recognition that athlete welfare must remain a central pillar of national sport development, particularly as Guyana continues to increase its participation in regional and international competitions.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle emphasised the significance of the workshop, noting that the country’s sporting landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years, creating greater demand for qualified physiotherapy professionals who understand the unique needs of athletes.

“The NSC, and by extension the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, has been working closely with the various physiotherapists across the country,” Ninvalle explained.

Ninvalle further highlighted, “However, this workshop will look to enhance the already exceptional care being provided, while also creating opportunities for networking and stronger collaboration with the different sporting associations.”

Physiotherapists, Ninvalle pointed out, play a critical role in modern sport, particularly at the elite level, noting that their expertise extends beyond injury treatment to include injury prevention, rehabilitation planning, performance optimisation and recovery management.

For athletes competing internationally, having a physiotherapist travel with national teams is often essential, ensuring immediate medical response during training and competition, reducing recovery time, and safeguarding long-term athlete health.

“Access to qualified physiotherapy support allows athletes to maintain peak condition while also providing reassurance to coaches and administrators that medical best practices are being followed,” the Director of Sport stated.

The upcoming workshop is expected to bring together physiotherapists, sport administrators, coaches, and medical personnel from multiple disciplines, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and practical learning.

Ninvalle also noted that the workshop aligns with the broader vision of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to professionalise support systems within sport and ensure Guyanese athletes receive world-class care.

Just last week, the NSC collaborated with the Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana to host a pioneering workshop  aimed at improving awareness and management of epilepsy in sport.