May 2005

Parker to staff games

Parker College of Chiropractic will provide a staff of chiropractors for the 2005 Bolivarianos Games and the 2006 Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Games through a sponsorship agreement with the organizing committees of both games.

"Parker College of Chiropractic is very excited for the opportunity to participate as a sponsor in these two historical sporting events," said Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker College of Chiropractic. "In addition to providing chiropractic care to world‑class athletes, millions of sporting enthusiasts will see the benefit of chiropractic in a very positive setting."

In making the announcement during a press conference in Bogota, Colombia, Dr. Andres Botero, president of the Colombian Olympic Committee stated, "Parker College's involvement in these games marks the beginning of a relationship with a profession little known in this part of the world. World‑class athletes throughout the world use the professional services of chiropractors to stay healthy and competitive. We welcome the efforts of Parker College and its visionary president, Dr. Mancini."

As a sponsor of both games, Parker will serve as the "Official Supplier of Sports Chiropractic Services." The college will provide chiropractic care at all venues as well as at the Polyclinic. Additionally, Parker representatives will speak at the medical congress held prior to the opening of the games.

"With the participation of chiropractors in the Bolivarianos Games and the Central America and Caribbean Games, Latin America has opened its doors to the chiropractic profession," said Florida chiropractor Thomas Hyde. Dr. Hyde served as a team chiropractic physician for the 1987 Pan‑American Games and is a member of the US Olympic Sports Medicine Society and the United States Sports Chiropractic Federation. "Parker is fortunate to be included within the Polyclinic to provide services along side the medical profession," he stated.  "This is a tremendous opportunity for both health professions to work together as a team for the benefit of the athletes."

The 2005 Bolivarianos Games are scheduled for August 12‑21 in Armenia and Pereira, Colombia. Established in 1938 and held every four years since 1947, they honor the South American general Simon Bolivar, who between 1810 and 1824 freed the territories of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela from Spanish rule. Together with Panama, these countries comprise the nations eligible to compete in the Bolivarian games. 

Scheduled to begin July 15, 2006, the CAC Games will be held in Cartagena, Colombia, with athletes participating from 32 countries. These are the oldest, continuing regional games, with only the Olympics boasting a longer continuous history. Originally called the Central American Games, the CAC Games were held in Mexico with athletes from Mexico, Cuba and Guatemala participating. They received a new name in 1938 to reflect the expanded eligible nations. 

"These games provide athletes the opportunity to compete on an Olympic level and a chance to gain valuable experience prior to Olympic competition. Parker College is honored to be included in these events," said Dr. Mancini.

Added  Dr. Botero, "It is our hope that some of the competing athletes in the games will become interested in pursuing a career in chiropractic after receiving excellent care at the games."

The CAC Games will be televised in the US, as well as in those countries participating in the events. To learn more about the games visit www.JuegosBolivarianos2005.gov.co or www.Cartagena2006.gov.co.