Team Fiji Medical Familirise Themselves

Close to 300 athletes turned up for the last Team Fiji Medical screening which took place at  Fiji Olympic House over the weekend.

The athletes and officials who will be participating at the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa were participating in the last medical screening that was organised by FASANOC's Medical Commission.

Commission Chair Doctor Jone Nasome said the medical screening was also an opportunity for the medical team that would be travelling with the team to familiarise themselves with Team Fiji.

"We have a medical team that will also be travelling with the team and it includes physiotherapists and doctors," he said.

"This last medical screening was not only to check on how athletes and officials are in terms of health from their first medical last year but also an opportunity for physiotherapists and doctors to get to know the team."

Dr Nasome said during the Games many athletes required the services of physiotherapists and doctors which was why it was important to get to know them and to ready themselves when and if they are required.

"So now at least our physiotherapists and doctors can identify athletes and the issues they are likely to face should theirs services be required," he said.

Dr Nasome said the medical team is always ready to help and support athletes and officials when they require them so that they are able to compete at their best come Games time.

"This first medical screening last year was just to gauge where the  athletes and officials are in terms of health and wellness and if we need to make any suggestions in  regards to their health," he said.

"This medical checkup is to see if any suggestions we may have given athletes have been followed."

Dr Nasome said they did not want to rule out any official or athlete that is travelling to the Games at this time.

"But the safety of the athlete and official is paramount for us which is why we have these medical screenings."

DrNasome is also asking all Section Managers to read up on the World Anti Doping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited List  which is updated annually

FASANOC adheres strictly to the list and encourages athletes and team officials to learn and know more about  what is and what is not approved by WADA.

For more information on Banned Substances and Drugs you can visit www.wada-ama.org or contact FASANOC on 3303525 or fasanoc@fasanoc.org.fj for contact details ofDrJoneNasome, Chair of the FASANOC Medical Commission or Secretary MsSharleneNand

Team Fiji Chef de Mission Patrick Bower said he was pleased with the commitment of Team Fiji's Medical Team.    He also acknowledged that the Team had recently undergone training in Pre-Hospital Immediate Care which would serve them well, not only in their professional careers but in the care of Team Fiji athletes and officials."Our medical team have been doing an excellent job for us in ensuring that our athletes and officials are in good health and ready to participate," he said.

Mr Bower said the medical screenings are an important part of Team Fiji's preparations for the 2019 Pacific Games.