Written by Dr Tian Ying, Ch’ng (Ying), Malaysia & Australia, DC, MSc(Sport & Exercise
Science), ICSC
Reflections from My First FICS Event – The World Games 2025
14 days of treating athletes, staff, and volunteers, making new connections, learning from practitioners from all over the world, and creating the most beautiful memories… Thank you, Chengdu and FICS, for the remarkable experience!
In August 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Chengdu, China, to serve as a Sports Chiropractor at The World Games 2025. It was my very first FICS event, and while I was not entirely sure what to expect, I arrived with an open heart and mind, knowing that this experience would be something special. From the very first meeting, I was struck by the energy in the room—a gathering of over 50 like-minded Sports Chiropractors from all over the world, united by the same passion for athlete care. The excitement was palpable, and I left that meeting feeling inspired, motivated, and eager to begin the work ahead.
I was allocated to Lifesaving, Gymnastics, Floorball, Racquetball, and RollerSport. Each day, I had the privilege of supporting not only elite athletes but also staff and volunteers, helping them stay healthy and perform at their best throughout the games. It was incredibly fulfilling to be part of their journey, knowing that our care could make a meaningful difference to their wellbeing and experience. The FICS mission of promoting excellence in sports chiropractic truly came alive in those moments, as I collaborated with practitioners from all over the world, sharing knowledge and learning from each other. Despite the international environment, I found it surprisingly easy to connect with everyone—my ability to speak a few languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, and Malay… allowed me to communicate directly with athletes and officials, deepening
the human connection beyond the clinic table.
My heart felt full every day, overwhelmed in the best way by the energy, gratitude, and shared passion that flowed through every venue.
A personal key moment:
One of the most memorable moments happened midway through the Games, on the bus to Floorball. I was quietly reflecting on the trip so far when I received a message from an individual I had treated at my first international sports event a few years ago. He had come as staff rather than an athlete then. He initially hesitated to receive treatment, saying he was not attending as an athlete at that specific event, but I encouraged him, saying, “Without you, how would the athletes manage? You are just as important.” He smiled and agreed, so I treated him, and we had a conversation about how he should not give up on the sport he loved. He had suffered a chronic injury that left him feeling helpless, unsure if he would ever play again. Before we parted ways back then, he told me, “You are such a surprise of hope and care.” The message he sent included a photo of him finally back playing the sport he loves, along with the note: “I am so happy you get to see this! I played my first tournament in
four years this past weekend.” Receiving this news more than two years later, in the midst of my first World Games, was a full-circle moment. It reminded me that treating staff and volunteers is just as vital as treating athletes—they are the backbone of every event.
FICS’s mission of supporting everyone involved came to life in that moment: our care restores hope, wellbeing, and the ability to thrive, sometimes in ways we do not immediately see. I got off the bus and my teammates were all shocked to see me crying. I remember having the biggest smile and said, “These are happy tears!” Looking back on my time at The World Games 2025, I feel incredibly honored to have been part of such a monumental event. Each day brought challenges, opportunities to
learn, and meaningful connections that left a lasting impression on me. Being able to contribute to the athletes’ and staff’s experience was deeply fulfilling, and it reminded me of the profound impact our work as sports chiropractors can have. I am so grateful to the FICS team, LOC, and everyone involved for their hard work and unwavering dedication, which allowed us all to focus on delivering sports chiropractic care at our best. This experience has filled my heart, inspired me beyond words, and strengthened my commitment to supporting athletes, staff, and volunteers at future events.
Join a FICS event, and I promise, the experiences, connections, and little moments of joy will stay with you long even after the event is over!
