Two chartered physiotherapists have been appointed by the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association to support the competitors who will represent the Island at the 2014 Games in Glasgow.
Ruth Cooil and Wendy Shallcross were selected after expressions of interest in the posts were invited early this year. They will provide physiotherapy services to all competitors selected for Team Isle of Man’s Glasgow 2014 squad and will travel to Glasgow to provide support for competitors in all sports during the Games.
Ruth qualified as a physiotherapist in 1996 and over the years has specialised in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. Currently she works at Noble’s Hospital as physiotherapy team leader in orthopaedics, trauma and rehabilitation and as a shoulder specialist for the orthopaedic consultants. She has a Masters Degree in Orthopaedic Medicine and has previously been team physio at World and European championships for the British rhythmic and artistic gymnastics team. In addition, Ruth has provided physio support at six Island Games and been physiotherapist for Team Isle of Man at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010. She was also instrumental in organising the physiotherapy team for the Commonwealth Youth Games which the Isle of Man hosted in 2011. She said:
“It is a great privilege to be selected as a Team Isle of Man physiotherapist for a third consecutive Commonwealth Games. I look forward to once again supporting the athletes and helping to ensure they are in the best physical condition to achieve their full potential.”
Wendy is a Chartered and State Registered Physiotherapist who qualified with a BSc degree in Physiotherapy in 1993. On qualifying, she worked at Aintree University Hospitals in Liverpool which provided her with invaluable experience across a spectrum of physiotherapy disciplines. She chose to specialise in musculoskeletal and sports therapy and continued her career at Noble’s Hospital and then gained invaluable experience at a private sports clinic in Darwin, Australia. Wendy returned to the island and founded Farmhill Physiotherapy in 1998 where she operates a successful and established private practice specialising in musculo-skeletal physiotherapy. Wendy brings a wealth of experience having worked and travelled extensively with athletes including a professional rugby team, elite runners at the London Marathon and support for the Commonwealth Youth Games. Wendy is a keen triathlete and cyclist and this year completed the Etape du Tour - an event in which riders cycle a Tour de France mountain stage route - so she is well aware of the athletic demands on the body. She said:
“I'm absolutely thrilled to support the Isle of Man athletes at this global sporting event and look forward to working with Ruth and Frank to deliver exceptional high standards of medical support and real continuity of care for our athletes in the lead up to, and during the games. We will be doing everything possible to ensure our athletes have the best possible chance of achieving their personal best in Glasgow.”
Juliet Holt, President of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association, said:
“We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Ruth and Wendy as physiotherapists for Team Isle of Man. Their experience and expertise will be of great value in the build up to the Games and during the competition.”
Ruth and Wendy already play a role in the Isle of Man Sport Institute working with athletes in a range of sports. Their appointment as physiotherapists for Team Isle of Man will see them working alongside Dr Frank Vaughan who has been appointed as Medical Advisor for team. Glasgow will play host to the 20th Commonwealth Games between July 23 and August 3, 2014. It will comprise 11 days of competition in 17 sports. At the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi two years ago Team Isle of Man won two bronze medals - Mark Christian in the track cycling scratch race, and Tim Kneale in the double trap shooting event. The Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association is responsible for the publicity, fundraising, travel and support for Team Isle of Man’s participation at the Commonwealth Games. It is a registered charity and relies upon fundraising events and donations to fund Team Isle of Man’s participation at the Commonwealth Games. Donations to support Team Isle of Man can be made at www.cga.im.
