My World Games experience 7-17 July 2022 as part of the FICS Sports Chiropractor Delegation.
Dr Ryan Cevola / Spanish NCSC Member / Sports Chiropractor
When you adjust a person in your private practice, and they get better, you feel good about your job and continue to treat others. But when you adjust an elite athlete at the top of their game, maybe the best in the world, and then watch them compete, you feel part of their team rooting them on to win that medal. That hug, that gratification you receive after they compete, whether or not they win the medal, is incredible. These are the World Games.
I wanted some excitement after being in practice for almost ten years. I discovered that the Spanish Association had a new branch of sports chiropractic, and I looked into it. It sounded cool, so I signed up. By signing up to my local National Council Sports Chiropractors (NCSC), I also got a membership with the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS). After making my way through the International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC) program, completing the online learning and live seminars, I completed my ICSC. I was then ready to go to sporting events all over the world.
The World Games came along, so I applied and was accepted. I didn’t know what to expect at such a big event, but I soon realized that the FICS delegation was made up of experienced and newbies like me. Fifty plus chiropractors, all like-minded, coming together for the same reason is awesome. I remember reading the banner when we arrived that said, “Every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic”. That message stuck with me. We need more chiropractors at sporting events to care for these athletes and spread the word about what we do. So many of the athletes, officials and volunteers we treated at the World Games were their first time being seen by a chiropractor. We are not just spreading the word about chiropractic at these sporting events; we are bringing sports chiropractic and the benefits it provides to the world. The experience was amazing, and I cannot wait for the next one. I walked away with new memories, new friends, and a new family with FICS. Get involved with your local Sports Chiropractic Council and start volunteering for events so you can have such an awesome experience at one of these bigger events like me. 
