The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ATHLETES from around the planet, competing in the inaugural International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Relays at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium this weekend, will not have to worry too much if they are injured. Neither will the spectators in the stands.

Dr Cyprian Strachan heads a field of competent doctors and medical personnel who have devoted their time, resources and energy to assist the Local Organising Committee (LOC) with a makeshift polyclinic that has been set up in the original TAR Stadium.

All this week, as the athletes from the 40-plus countries go through their final workout sessions, Strachan said the team of medical experts will be on hand to provide any medical services needed.

When the relays are held on Saturday and Sunday, Strachan said they will be occupying the new stadium to provide the same type of service.

“We are available to all of the countries, who may have any medical issues that they need taken care of,” Strachan said.

“Some of the countries like the USA and the other big countries bring their own medical staff. But the IAAF wanted to make sure that the Bahamas provides a polyclinic with the local medical services.

While their services will be rendered from 9am to 9pm at the stadium this week, as a precaution, Strachan said there will be medical staff on hand to assist the athletes at the various hotels that are being used as the Games Villages for the more than 700 athletes and delegates that will be in town.

“We have at least 40 doctors involved. Some of them couldn’t get the time off to be here full time, but they are chipping in on various shifts, either out here or in the hotels,” Strachan said.

“We also have about 20 therapists, who are assisting those persons wherever necessary.”

So far, there has not been any severe case that the medical staff has had to deal with.

At the time of the interview, Strachan was accompanied by Dr Keir Miller and Dr Charles Clarke, who were on hand as the Americans and Team Bahamas went through their workout session at the TAR Stadium yesterday.

Anthony ‘Skeebo’ Rahming, their administrative assistant to the LOC, was also present. The polyclinic was equipped with beds, wheelchairs and medical supplies in case of an emergency.