Athlete's Welfare Is Paramount

Support from Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee's Medical Commission must match that of an elite athlete said FASANOC Vice President Cathy Wong.

Over the weekend, FASANOC's Medical Commission met to discuss ways in which to move the Commission forward into the next four years.

"It is really great that under the new leadership of Doctor JoneNasome, FASANOC's Medical Commission has decided to go back to basics in an effort to provide athletes with the support they deserve," she said.

"We cannot have an elite athlete without the support to match their level and so we have to up-skill our medical team and support staff to that same level."

"Getting athletes well looked after is one of the main concerns of FASANOC."

FASANOC's Medical Commission, as part of FASANOC's strategic Resurgence Agenda, had another look at their Terms of Reference, Selection Criteria and Roles and Responsibility of those that are part of the Commission.

Cathy said the current documents that govern FASANOC's Medical Commission were outdated.

"The last time we looked at the Medical Commission’s Terms of Reference, Selection Criteria and Roles and Responsibility was 18 years ago," she said.

"So I am familiar with all the documents and this is long overdue."

Cathy said in order to move to the next level it was important to get all stakeholders involved.

"When we talk about stakeholders, we mean our doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, Strength and Conditioning coaches, and those from the Ministry of Health.

"FASANOC's Medical Commission has had pocket meetings with our stakeholders and they have all had an input into the direction that the Commission would like to take," she said.

Cathy said it was also important that medical and support personnel reevaluate and re-look at their performances pre, during and post Games.

"Key things we may need to address is where are our gaps?  Can we fill those gaps? And how do we fill those gaps,? she said.

"Also important to note what our strengths are and how we can get better."

FASANOC Medical Commission Chairperson Doctor JoneNasome said up-skilling their medical personnel would be a priority for the Commission.

"It is important that our Medical Personnel have the right tools and training to ensure that athletes are given the best care possible," he said.

DrNasome said after viewing the Commission’s current Terms of Reference, Selection Criteria and Roles and Responsibility it was time to change.

"Sports Science and Sports Medicine changes from time to time and it is important that we as a Commission are aware of those changes," he said.

DrNasome who was part of Team Fiji to the recent 2019 Pacific Games said there was a lot they could learn from their participation at the Games.

"Now we have four years to ensure that FASANOC's Medical Commission is in a great position to provide athletes with the best care possible."

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