NSC, MoH launch physiotherapy seminar for coaches

The National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Physiotherapy Department of the Ministry of Health, has launched a ground-breaking Physiotherapy Seminar for Coaches at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, marking a significant step toward strengthening the integration of health science into sports development in Guyana.
The seminar, described as the first of its kind, forms part of a broader strategy to modernise and decentralise the approach to sports development, ensuring that coaches, athletes and officials are better equipped with knowledge in injury prevention, rehabilitation and performance optimisation.
Director of Sport at the NSC, Steve Ninvalle, emphasised the importance of the initiative, describing it as a landmark moment for the sports sector.
“This, to me, is an extremely important occasion,” Ninvalle stated. “It’s an important event that we are having, and I must say that when I reached out to Dr Mangar, it was a simple process of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission joining hands with the Physiotherapy Department of the Ministry of Health.”

He noted that the partnership builds on earlier collaborations, including engagements with the Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana, and reflects the Government’s commitment to expanding sports development beyond traditional training methods.
“In my memory, I cannot remember us as a Sports Commission or Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport having such an engagement, and this will not be the last,” Ninvalle added. “As we look at muscles and how we deal with them through physiotherapy, we’re trying to open the minds of coaches, athletes, and officials.”
Leading the technical component, physiotherapist Dr Ariane Mangar outlined a comprehensive series of upcoming seminars aimed at addressing diverse athlete populations and their unique needs.
“Today we’re starting with a health physiotherapy seminar,” Dr Mangar explained. “Then we’ll move on to one focused on the female athlete, where we look at syncing training with the athlete’s menstrual cycle. We also want to address the para-athlete – the disabled athlete – and explore how training can be adapted for them.”

She further highlighted plans to focus on the “master’s athlete”, or older competitor, noting that this group requires specialised training considerations, including tendon health, collagen support and understanding sarcopenia – the age-related loss of muscle mass.
“Our role is to help them excel in what they do,” Mangar said. “As we move forward, our young therapists will develop various training programs to support coaches. This is part of preventing injuries.”
NSC Commissioner Cristy Campbell underscored the importance of shifting public perception about physiotherapy in sports.
NSC Commissioner Cristy Campbell underscored the importance of shifting public perception about physiotherapy in sport.
“Many times, we believe in sport that we only need to see a physio when we have a niggle or an injury, but that is just public perception,” Campbell remarked. “There are programs in place to deal with prehab – preparing your muscles and framework to avoid those niggles.”
The seminar represents a proactive approach to sports medicine in Guyana, focusing not only on treatment but also on prevention, education and long-term athlete development.
By equipping coaches with essential physiotherapy knowledge, the NSC and Ministry of Health are laying the foundation for a more scientifically informed and inclusive sporting environment.
With additional seminars already planned, the initiative signals a sustained commitment to athlete welfare and high-performance excellence across all levels of sport in Guyana.