Courtesy: event press release

A keynote address from International Olympic Committee (IOC) medical director Dr. Patrick Schamasch will highlight the 15th FINA World Sports Medicine Congress, co-sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Indiana Sports Corporation. The unique two-day event will feature current research, medical advice and practical applications for aquatic sports. Patrick Schamasch, M.D., will kick off the event by discussing anti-doping techniques used at the Athens Olympic Games.

The Sports Medicine Congress will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis October 12-13 immediately following the seventh FINA World Swimming Championships (25m). Session formats will include special lectures, panel discussions and poster sessions. Scientists, physicians, students, Certified Athletic Trainers, athletes and coaches are invited to network, discuss and learn about the most popular topics and issues in sports medicine for aquatic sports.

"The Congress will cover leading edge information on dietary supplements and drug use, needs of the older athlete, eating disorders, performance issues and the prevention and treatment of injuries," said ACSM Executive Vice President James R. Whitehead. "A variety of health and athletic professionals and participants will gain tremendously from this rare opportunity."

Schamasch, the IOC's medical and scientific director, will deliver the Bleasdale Memorial Lecture, the Sports Congress' featured event, on Tuesday, October 12 at 9 a.m. Part of Schamasch's lecture will address the medical and anti-doping programs utilized at the Athens Olympic Games.

"Schamasch is one of the most-respected leaders in the international sports medicine community," said James W. Miller, M.D., chairman of USA Swimming's Asthma and Diabetes Task Forces and a member of the program planning committee of the Sports Medicine Congress. "This is a tremendous opportunity for athletic trainers, physicians and especially students from around the world to come together and interact with one of the world's visionaries in securing fairness in Olympic competition."

Additional faculty members include Andrew J. Pipe, M.D., FACSM, Chair of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, Ed Ryan, ATC, Director of Sports Medicine for the United States Olympic Committee, and Ron Maughan, Ph.D., FACSM, Secretary of the IOC Medical Commission Sports Nutrition Committee. In addition to doping issues, topics will feature dietary supplements, female athlete issues, special needs for masters athletes and more.

Registration is available online at www.worldswim2004.com or www.acsm.org, or by calling ACSM at (317) 637-9200, ext. 141 or 135. The fee is $250 for adults/professionals and $110 for students. For accommodations, participants should contact the Swimming Housing Bureau at (800) 556-4639 (within the United States) or (317) 684- 2573.