We are really excited that a few of our physios that are heading along to the Commonwealth Games and thought we would have a quick chat to them about their involvement.
Shane Lemcke – Director and Sports Physiotherapist
What is your involvement in the games?
I am part of the Australian team as Team Manager and Sports Physio for the Squash program. I will be looking after the 10 squash athletes in the team for a weeks training leading into the Games, and then for the duration of the competition (singles and doubles competitions) which runs for the whole games period.
Why are the Games important to you?
I’ve been lucky enough in my career to work at a number of major sporting events. It is a real privilege to be able to be part of these events and help the athletes achieve their goals. In a professional sense it is really fulfilling to see athletes and clients who have worked so hard to get to an event like the Commonwealth Games compete and do their best. Personally as a lover of sport it is great to be able to be able to experience the games so intimately, as I never had the talent to make it as an athlete!
What are you looking forward to the most?
I have worked with most of the squash team since they were juniors, and have known some of them for almost 15 years. I am really looking forward to seeing them compete at a home games with all of their family watching, and hopefully enjoying some success.
Geoff de Jager – Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapist
What is your involvement in the games?
My involvement in the Games is as a volunteer Physiotherapist on the Medical Volunteers Team. I’ve been stationed at Oxenford Studios, which is the venue for Boxing, Table Tennis and Squash. My main role is going to be with boxing, and will combine “Field of Play” duties as well as working in the Athlete Medical Facility on-site.
Why are the Games important to you?
Working at the Commonwealth Games gives me an opportunity to work with elite athletes in sports I don’t often get the chance to work in. Being involved in a huge multi-sport competition on our doorstep is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to further develop my sports physiotherapy skills and experience a fantastic event from the inside, something spectators don’t get to do. I will also get the chance to help athletes from countries that don’t get much support due to lack of funding, which is always very satisfying. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other sports physios from around the country and around the world, sharing information and techniques.
What are you looking forward to the most?
I’m really looking forward to meeting people from all walks of life, who have come together for this great event. The athletes and other support staff are what makes the games special and creates a fantastic atmosphere for all involved. It will be interesting to pick up new skills too!
Josh McCabe – Physiotherapist
What is your involvement in the games?
My involvement in the Commonwealth Games is sports coverage and treatment with the Hockey and Lawn Bowls venues. I will be working as a venue based physiotherapist in a team of medical professionals including another physiotherapist, nurse and medical doctor. Our role is to provide coverage for every match and to make ourselves available to help any country that may not have access to physiotherapy or medical services while travelling and those teams that require an extra pair of hands for preparation and recovery.
Why are the Games important to you?
Volunteering at the games is an important part of my learning experience as a young physiotherapist and I see this as the first big step in the direction I want my career to head towards. Aside from learning how to work within a medical team at a major championship, also working closely with the teams and some of the worlds best athletes is going to be a very cool experience and one that I am very grateful for.
What are you looking forward to the most?
It’s exciting being part of something that’s so much bigger than an individual sport, it really is quite special to be involved in a home games. I’m looking forward to experiencing the sport from the sidelines, this in my opinion is surely the best way to see live sport.
