Organisers of a two-day expo hosted by the African Sport Science Institute Clinic (ASSIC) and The Sports Trust labelled the event as a success in bringing sports science to communities.
The driver behind the initiative, Dr Yusuf Hassan, director of ASSIC, says the main objective of the expo was to highlight sport safety, and the role of sport science and medicine in the development of sport at grassroots level.
Dr Hassan is an orthopaedic surgeon with a specific focus on sports medicine and is the founder of ASSIC. He was Jake White’s Springbok’s team doctor in 2007 who won the World Cup and is regarded as one of the leading sports physicians in the country.
The expo, which took place at the Mount View High School in Hanover Park, aimed to bring sports science to the masses, to benefit schools and community sports.
Several prominent sports people, coaches and musical icon Vicky Sampson were amongst the guests speakers along 2024 Olympic Silver 4 x 100m relay medallist, Bradley Nkoane, former Springbok player, Ashwin Willemse and coach Allistair Coetzee.
The expo ended on Sunday with the signing of an agreement between Safa Cape Town and ASSIC to enhance sports education and development.
Dr Hassan said the partnership is a long-term programme and is an attempt to enhance soccer development.
“Together we are attempting to make soccer safe. It’s also to bring education, science development and athletic development to grassroots levels to make a difference. We have now partnered with Safa CT to educate and address various aspects around sport science, fitness, injury management and strapping,” he said.
Bennet Bailey, Safa CT, president said he was happy with the agreement. “Football is the sport of the masses and marginalised and bringing sports science to the grassroots is a sign that we are moving in the right direction. Players will have free access to the (ASSIC) app and that is a great start. We will soon roll out the programme,” said Bailey.
