FICS 2026 VIRTUAL Global Symposium
ADJUSTING PERSPECTIVES:
CHIROPRACTIC IN
PARASPORT
5 DECEMBER 2026
(recordings available for 90 days post symposium)
Sponsored By
KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
Anne Wafula Strike MBE PLY
Breaking Barriers: Lived Experience, Parasport and the Power of Real Inclusion
Anne Wafula Strike MBE PLY is a Paralympian, author, public speaker and inclusion campaigner whose story connects directly with the purpose of a Parasport symposium: demonstrating how sport can transform lives, while also challenging systems to become genuinely inclusive.
Born in Kenya, Anne contracted polio at the age of two. Her lived experience includes disability, social stigma, exclusion, resilience, migration, motherhood, elite sport and public advocacy. She later discovered wheelchair racing in the UK and went on to compete at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, becoming the first Kenyan wheelchair racer to represent her country at the Paralympics. She has since represented Great Britain internationally and was awarded an MBE for services to disability sport and charity.
5 December 2026
CST (UTC -6) - 11:45 - 17:00
EST (UTC -5) - 12:45 - 19:30
GMT (UTC +0) - 17:45 - 21:30
6 December 2026
AEDT (UTC +11) - 04:45 - 10:00
Use the Time Zone Converter here to convert the time into your local timezone.
The Experts
Schedule at a Glance
Our speaker programme is currently being finalised.
We have two additional speakers, with whom we are finalising details. Watch this space for coming soon.
Phillip Heritage
Lived Experience: beyond inspiration
Session: Anne speaks powerfully about the human reality of disability, not as a “story of overcoming”, but as a lived experience shaped by opportunity, access, attitudes and systems.
By the end of Anne’s contribution, you will be encouraged to understand parasport through the lens of lived experience, recognise the difference between access, participation and true inclusion, and reflect on how systems can either create or remove barriers. This session will assist you to see disabled athletes as leaders, advocates and experts in their own right. Leave this session with practical motivation to make sport environments more inclusive, dignified and athlete-centred.
- How sport changed her life: Sport gave Anne a route into confidence, independence, international representation and leadership. Wheelchair racing opened a world of performance, discipline, travel, community and visibility. Her story shows that parasport is not only about medals, but about agency, purpose and possibility.
- The importance of access and inclusion: Anne speaks about the barriers disabled people face in everyday life, including transport and public facilities. Her experience reinforces that inclusion is not only about inviting disabled people into sport, but making sure the whole pathway is accessible, dignified and safe.
- Representation and role modelling: why visibility matters, especially for disabled women, young athletes, and people from underrepresented communities. Her work as an inclusion campaigner highlights the importance of seeing disabled people represented across sport, leadership, media, policy and community life.
Featured Expert - “Anne's contribution was invigorating, challenging and thoughtful. Her ability to translate her own personal experiences and life challenges to inspire is quite exceptional. She inspired so many to recognise the potential we hold inside which is fuelled by the need to be wanted and the energy that is drawn from happiness, fulfilment and support and the need to be in charge of the person we want to be.” RCN Nurse Network
Classification: What is it and what’s your role
Session:This session will explain the basis of classification and the vital part it plays in Paralympic sport. We will look at what classification systems are aiming to achieve and what your role in supporting athletes in classification are. We will also look at the many impacts that classification has on the athletes going through classification, and those around them.
Biography: Alasdair is the Head of Para Sport at Loughborough University, Sutton Bonington, England, United Kingdom.
Alasdair is an experienced sports leader with extensive knowledge of strategic management and delivering success. He possesses excellent people engagement, organisational and planning skills that have allowed me to excel in a number of areas, including campaign implementation and execution, international team leadership and coaching.
His skill-set focuses on developing people and working in partnership with them to develop the skills and experiences to achieve their best.
History of the Paralympic movement
Session: Adam’s session will explore the history and development of the Paralympic Movement and Games, and how we can support the next generation of Paralympians.
Drawing on his own lived experience of disability following the removal of a sacral chondrosarcoma, Adam also participates in grassroots wheelchair basketball. This combination of personal and professional experience provides a unique perspective that informs his research and stakeholder engagement activities.
His work combines qualitative and quantitative research methods, with particular expertise in storytelling approaches to understanding lived experiences and the design and delivery of surveys that evaluate participation, engagement, and impact. Adam is passionate about ensuring the experiences of disabled athletes inform policy, practice, and the development of more inclusive sporting environments.
Biography: Dr Adam Dickinson-Shill is a Research Associate in Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Translation at the Centre for Para and Disability Sport Innovation, Loughborough University, UK.
He obtained his BSc in Psychology from Staffordshire University in 2019 and his MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Sussex in 2020. In January 2021, he began his PhD at Loughborough University, focusing on participation in UK wheelchair basketball and exploring the barriers and facilitators to engagement, perceptions of inclusivity, and the impact of participation on identity and mental wellbeing.
Since completing his doctoral studies, Adam has worked as a Research Associate in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. He currently contributes to several UK-based projects focused on disability sport participation, inclusion, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge translation.
Seeing Sport Through a Different Lens
Session: Drawing on his extensive experience in elite Paralympic sport, Phil will explore the practical realities of working with disabled athletes through real-world examples and personal insights. This engaging session will examine how disability, identity, communication, environmental conditions, and physical factors can influence both performance and care. It will challenge common assumptions and highlight the importance of understanding each athlete as an individual.
Attendees will gain practical strategies, greater confidence, and a deeper appreciation of how adaptable, inclusive, and athlete-centred care can support wellbeing and performance at every level of sport.
Biography: Phill is a Senior Lecturer and CASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist specialising in physiology and pedagogy. He holds degrees in Sport and Exercise Science, Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology, and Medical Education. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Chartered Scientist. Phill is currently completing a PhD at Coventry University, examining attitudes and behaviours relating to concussion in football.
He has worked with AFC Bournemouth, the GB Para Nordic Ski Team, Williams Innovation, Red Bull Racing, and world-record endurance athlete Johnny Huntington. He also consults with professional and amateur athletes and coaches internationally, supporting performance, exercise prescription, endurance challenges, and the evaluation of new technologies.
His research includes grant-funded work on concussion in sport. He also contributes to university education and governance committees, supervises developing sport and exercise scientists, and serves on the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Science Integrity Advisory Group. His areas of expertise include high-performance support, applied sport and exercise physiology, concussion in sport, and endurance and para-performance physiology.
Ergonomics and Wheelchair Configurations
Session: Vicky is a Professor of Applied Disability and Para Sport, Director of Sporting Excellence and Opportunity (SSEHS), and Director of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport. She has provided applied sport science support to Paralympic athletes since 1994 and holds a PhD focused on wheelchair racing economy and propulsion technique. Her session will explore ergonomics and wheelchair configuration, including how seating position, posture and equipment set-up can support comfort, efficiency, injury prevention and sporting performance.
Biography: Vicky's research interests include disability sport, wheelchair propulsion kinematics, elite sports performance physiology, exercise testing and interpretation, training, and performance. Her research profile contributed to highly successful RAE bids at both Manchester Metropolitan University and Loughborough University.
Invited International Conferences: (2001–2026): 87
Overseas University Invitations: (2006–2026): 83
Book Chapters: (2008–2023): 19
Full Publications: (1996–2026): 272
Research Laboratory for Disability Sport: Over the past twelve years, Vicky has established a cutting-edge laboratory for the study of manual wheelchair performance. Equipment within the laboratory specific to wheelchair and Para sport includes:
- Two specialised wheelchair ergometers and a motorised treadmill suitable for wheelchair assessment.
- An arm crank ergometer, handbike, and turbo trainer.
- A Cyclus II Cycle and Handbike Ergometer.
- A wheelchair velocometer to examine the intra-push profiles of manual wheelchair propulsion.
- Instrumented wheels (SmartWHEEL).
- An indoor GPS tracking system for wheelchair sports.
Her extensive experience includes working with Great Britain’s wheelchair racing, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and paratriathlon programmes.
She has supported athletes and teams across multiple Paralympic Games and preparation camps, including Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024.
Vicky is internationally recognised for her contribution to disability sport. She is a CASES Fellow, received the IPC Paralympic Scientific Award in 2017, and previously served on the International Paralympic Committee Sport Science and Medicine Group. She is also the editor of Wheelchair Sport, an international handbook on the physiology and biomechanics of adapted sport.
Beyond the Podium
Session: Helene’s session will offer a physiotherapy perspective on supporting adaptive athletes beyond the podium, with practical considerations for training, travel and competition. She will offer a unique glimpse into the life of the touring support required in Adaptive Sport, and the dedication required by both athletes and staff to perform at the highest level. She will be looking at Adaptive Athletes Through Training, Travel and Competition – a physiotherapy perspective. Drawing on her personal experiences across multiple adaptive sports disciplines, she will take you behind the scenes of international travel, intensive training, and competition. Through real-world examples, Helene will introduce the unique considerations involved in supporting adaptive athletes and provide valuable insight into how practitioners can deliver informed, inclusive, and athlete-centred care throughout training and competition.
Biography: Helene Barron is an internationally registered Specialist Sports Physiotherapist whose career has included supporting athletes across multiple World Championships, Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games. As Lead Physiotherapist for the NZ Winter Paralympic Team, the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games represented more than a professional milestone; they marked a deeply personal full-circle moment - returning to the region where she discovered her cancer, alongside the athletes who were there with her throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Drawing on her expertise in high-performance sport as both a physiotherapist and an athlete, her lived experience as a cancer survivor, and her commitment to accessibility, equity and inclusion, Helene brings both professional insight and genuine humanity to her work. She continues to champion inclusive, athlete-centred care across sport, physiotherapy, and the wider community.
CV Snapshot: Sports Physiotherapy: Registered as NZ’s 5th Specialist Sports Physiotherapist – 2024
- HPSNZ Senior Performance Physiotherapist – Snow Sports New Zealand: October 2022 -
- Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics Lead Physiotherapist
- Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Core Health Team
- Paracycling World Cups – Germany and Belgium, April-May 2022
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics Core Health Team – NZ Olympic team
- Rio 2016 Olympics Core Health Team – NZ Olympic team
- HPSNZ – Cycling New Zealand Physiotherapist – April 2014 – December 2017
- Physiotherapist for Junior Track Cycling Worlds – Switzerland 2019
- Physiotherapist for Junior Track Cycling Worlds – Korea, 2014
- NZ Hockey Junior Blacksticks Physiotherapist – 2011 – 2014
- NZ Hockey Preferred Physiotherapy Provider – 2002 – 2014
- HPSNZ (formerly NZAS) Preferred Provider Netball, Hockey (2004 – until fulltime with Cycling NZ)
The Swiss franc (CHF) is FICS’ official currency
Unable to attend live? All registered attendees will receive access to the session recordings for 90 days following the Symposium.
All registration prices will be listed in Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 CHF = approx. 1.05 USD | 0.92 EUR | 0.82 GBR | 1.5 AUD
Early Bird to 31 October CST time / Full price from 1 November 2026
FICS
Member
ICSC Holder
Student
- CHF 135.00 for FICS Members
- CHF 55.00 for ICSC Holders
- CHF 25.00 for students
FREE TICKET:
FICS Executives, Commission members, and individuals who have volunteered at a FICS-sanctioned event during 2026 are eligible for a complimentary ticket.
Please contact FICS Administration to request your discount code.
FICS
Non-Member
- CHF 175.00 for Non-Members
If you are from a University that is a member of FICS, your faculty and students can purchase at the member’s rate.
Please ensure the University name is quoted at the time of purchase to assist us in validating the registration.
Want to register as a member, learn more here.
FICS
FAQ
For any questions not answered on this page, please contact us via email at admin@fics.sport
Official Currency
The Swiss franc (CHF) is FICS official currency.
All registration prices will be listed in Swiss Franc (CHF). It is helpful to know that 1 CHF = approx. 1.05 USD 0.92 EUR 0.82 GBR 1.5 AUD . The exchange rate of the day can be checked here. Check your local cardholder bank for the currency of the day for accurate conversion.
When does Early Bird end?
Buy before 31 October 2026 and save.
Symposium Credits
This program meets international standards for continuing education credits in all Countries except USA.
USA CREDITS: The United States requires a minimum of 50 minutes of instructional content per speaker for CE eligibility. Because most speakers are only 30 minutes, there is NO USA CE credit for this year's symposium.
Other Countries Outside the US, earning continuing education points for the full symposium duration to the nearest hour, as listed below:
- Your ability to gain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Education Units (CEU) by submitting your certificate, which you will receive from this symposium, directly to your country, province, or state registering body.
- We recommend contacting your local chiropractic regulatory board as your first point of contact to understand the process in your area.
- Some countries require a self-assessment and will provide you with the necessary application to apply for CPD points.
- Please ensure you follow your local requirements to receive credit for this program.
Claiming Credit points from Recordings
Access to Recordings:
- Replays of the lectures and masterclasses will be available for 90 days after the Symposium on the Parker Seminar platform via your registration login.
Compliance Measures: We have implemented time safeguards, interactivity checks, and record login times based on the email registered with your ticket.
- U.S. Participants: NO per approved credits available.
- Attendees from other countries can watch the recordings to qualify for their certificate of attendance and receive full CE credits for the entire event.
Live Date and Session Replays
The Symposium is a one-day virtual event held on 5 December, beginning at 12:45 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). It will be hosted on the Parker Seminars online platform.
To confirm the start time in your location, use the World Clock Converter below. Enter 5 December at 12:45 PM EST, then add your city or time zone:
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
We understand that time-zone differences may prevent some attendees from joining every session live.
Recordings of the sessions will be available on the FICS platform approximately 48 hours after the live event.
Logging into the Online Symposium
You will need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection to watch the Symposium sessions and visit the sponsors in the virtual exhibition area.
The Symposium will be hosted on the Parker Seminars online platform.
Approximately one week before the event, all registered attendees will receive an email containing their login details and instructions for accessing the platform.
Please save the Symposium date in your calendar and look out for this email. Remember to check your spam or junk folder.
If you have not received your login details seven days before the event, please contact FICS so we can follow up on your behalf.
We strongly recommend testing your login before the Symposium begins. This will allow you to confirm that you can access the platform and help reduce the risk of technical problems on the day.
Will students be allowed to attend?
Absolutely! We welcome all students to attend the Symposium and are offering a generous student discount to support your learning.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Student Eligibility: A student is anyone currently enrolled in a chiropractic program at a university or college.
- First-Year Graduate Eligibility: A first-year graduate is someone who has been working in practice for less than one year.
How to Apply:
When purchasing a ticket, please add the following details to the notes during registration:
- Your school
- Your year of study or graduation date.
This information is required to validate your purchase and confirm your eligibility for the student discount. We look forward to seeing you at the Symposium!