Ever wonder whether to use ice or heat after a sprain? What do you do if you’re injured while hiking in the western Washington wilderness? Or exactly what symptoms to watch for after a possible concussion?
If active living is part of your family’s day, you need to mark the first annual Issaquah Sports Medicine Combine on your calendar.
Coming up Saturday, July 13 at Issaquah at Lake Sammamish State Park, this free, all ages community event brings together professionals from across the region to host courses, activities and training on sports-related medicine and wellness topics.
“This really is an unparalleled and unprecedented access to the sports medicine and wellness community that we have here in Issaquah,” says Bryce Finck, High Performance Partnerships Manager from the events management company TokitaBethune.
Supported by the City of Issaquah, Issaquah School District, the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Sports Commission, Swedish Medical Group, Arena Sports and others, the Combine emerged from Issaquah’s Innovation Partnership Zone, an economic development partnership with the State of Washington that showcases the region as a “hub for healing” focusing on sports medicine.
So much to do and try!
The day opens at 8 a.m. with a 5k walk/run through the park to raise funds for Issaquah High School’s Sports Medicine Program. If you’ve ever wanted to run a 5km, this one will have the best medical support of any amateur event on the West Coast, Finck says, not to mention cash and gift certificate prizes for category winners.
Following the 5K, family-friendly activities continue through the day to 5 p.m.:
- Free fitness classes
- Kids’ activity zone
- Free massages
- Water sports safety course
- Sports skill development
- Health screenings
- Sports idol meet and greet
- Expert sports medicine education sessions
- 60+ vendors
- Prize giveaways
- Food trucks
Learn from your local experts
From sports doctors, orthopaedic specialists and chiropractors to physical therapists, trainers and other sports medicine professionals – including some from your favorite pro sports teams! – the breadth of knowledge and experiences drawn together in this spectacular outdoor location is unique.
Included are free information sessions from 56 experts exploring topics ranging from Yoga for Runners and Rowing Injury Prevention and Performance to Avalanche Awareness and Mountain Safety and an All-Ages HIIT Bodyweight Class.
“Research is always providing new approaches, but in this internet age, determining what information is accurate and valid can be the hardest part,” Finck says. “At the Combine you can come talk to the local experts about today’s best practices and empower yourself to make the best decisions for your health.”
Ready to learn more?
Visit issaquahsportsmed.com and check them out on Facebook! And don’t forget to pre-register for the 5k run/walk, open to both competitive and non-competitive participants, and be in the running to win a new golf bag!
The all-ages Issaquah Sports Medicine Combine community event brings together professionals from across the region to host courses, activities and training on sports-related medicine and wellness topics.
