Some of the world's leading sporting organisations came together to discuss new and enduring global issues in sports, medicine and science at a pre-Olympic convention in China earlier this month, and QUT's Professor Tony Parker was one of the main driving forces behind it.
The International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport featured speakers from across the globe, and was the result of a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, International Federation of Sports Medicine, and the International Council for Sports Science and Physical Education.
Professor Tony Parker, of the School of Human Movement Studies and the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, was the Chairman of the International Consultative Committee representing the International Partners, with responsibility for organising the Convention along with the Chinese General Administration of Sport of China and the People's Government of Guangdong Province.
"It was a very large event and the first Convention involving this unique partnership, which brought together many, many international groups, and touched upon some extremely important issues," he said.
"From the use of prosthetics and technology in sport, to Islamic women in sport, to medicine, drugs, and many other topics linking science, medicine and sport, there was a lot of exciting topics covered throughout the event.
"This is the first time that this partnership has operated to organise the major scientific event immediately preceding the Olympic and Paralympic Games and as such represents a significant landmark."
Professor Parker also co-ordinated a symposium at the convention, during which he spoke about his work in occupational medicine in a speech entitled "The industrial athlete: Knowledge transition between sports and occupational medicine".
Other topics included injury prevention, barriers for women in sport, physical activity in children, sports nutrition and more.
Professor Parker said the convention provided an opportunity to share ideas between East and West, using workshops, symposia, and open communication sessions.
Over 1500 speakers attended the convention, which was attended by around 3000 delegates.
More information about the convention and those who presented can be found at http://www.icsemis2008.org.
Media contact: Sharon Thompson, QUT media officer - 3138 4494 or sharon.thompson@qut.edu.au
