PHYSIOFEST 2025 LAUNCH
PhysioFest 2025: Pulse and Play
Theme: Support the Game – Redefining the Scope of Physiotherapy in Sports
The University of Ghana Association of Physiotherapy Students (UGAPS) officially launched PhysioFest 2025: Pulse and Play on Monday, August 11, 2025, under the theme “Support the Game: Redefining the Scope of Physiotherapy in Sports.”
Launch Ceremony
The program was steered by Ms. Shirley Lois Owusu and Mr. Emmanuel Owusu Asante, who served as Masters of Ceremony, guiding the audience smoothly through the event.
The event opened with a prayer by Miss Richealle Agyekum and a minute of silence in memory of the late Ms. Bridgette Opoku.
Chairperson Professor Ajediran Idowu Bello set the tone with an opening address, followed by a UGAPS highlight trailer that showcased the association’s achievements and vision.
In his welcome address, UGAPS President H.E. Kelvin Owusu Amfo reflected on the association’s growth and emphasized physiotherapy’s essential role in modern sport.
Guest remarks came from leading figures in Ghanaian sport, including:
- Dr. Austin Luguterah, Director of the University of Ghana Sports Directorate
- Mr. Richard Akpokavie, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Jonathan Quartey, who reinforced physiotherapy’s vital role in protecting athletes and sustaining team success.
The launch was officially declared by Dr. Tawagidu Mohammed, followed by a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony. A music interlude closed the opening session and transitioned into the roundtable discussion.
Roundtable Discussion: Support the Game
Moderated by Stacy Eyra Amedeka, the roundtable brought together Professor Quartey, Dr. Luguterah, Mr. Akpokavie, and sports journalist Nathaniel Attoh.
The discussion emphasized one central truth: physiotherapy is no longer optional; it is integral to performance, recovery, and injury prevention in sport.
Key insights included:
- Collaboration is essential. Dr. Luguterah stressed that physiotherapists must work alongside coaches, sport scientists, psychologists, and nutritionists in an integrated system.
- Prevention over reaction. Building preventive care into training culture reduces risk and safeguards careers.
- The cost of neglect. Professor Quartey reminded us that without physiotherapy, “we are supporting the game with broken crutches.”
- Global benchmarks. Elite clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal employ multiple physiotherapists—an inspiration for Ghana to develop systems that fit its context but aim for world-class outcomes.
- Challenging myths. Stacy Amedeka noted that physiotherapy is often dismissed as “too expensive” or “only after injury.” In truth, the most costly injuries are those that could have been prevented.
- Policy gaps. Mr. Akpokavie and Mr. Attoh highlighted the need for stronger governance, minimum staffing standards, and mandatory physiotherapy presence in clubs and competitions.
Practical Steps Forward
From the discussion, six practical actions emerged:
- Institutionalize the Recovery–Rehabilitation–Prevention (RRP) model in all training calendars.
- Integrate physiotherapy with sport science—using data to monitor loads and guide return-to-play decisions.
- Advocate for minimum staffing ratios (e.g., at least two physiotherapists for every 20 athletes).
- Educate consistently—athletes, coaches, administrators, and parents must understand physiotherapy’s value.
- Lobby for policy change—make physiotherapy mandatory in team registrations, competition standards, and public funding.
- Raise visibility—publish outcomes to demonstrate impact on injury prevention, performance, and career longevity.
A Call to Lead
The session closed with a strong call to action:
- Administrators: Budget for prevention.
- Coaches: Consult physiotherapists first.
- Athletes: Demand qualified care.
- Physiotherapists: Lead, innovate, and advocate.
As Professor Quartey put it: “I have been doing this work since 2006. Now, it is your time too.”
PhysioFest 2025 marks more than a launch, it is a turning point. From this season forward, physiotherapy must be seen not as backup, but as the game plan that keeps sport alive.
Closing Moments
The roundtable ended with audience questions, followed by a spoken word performance by Mr. Bright Gyimah. The Chairperson gave closing remarks before the program wrapped up with a prayer, announcements for the week, and a photo and networking session.
PhysioFest 2025 has begun, not as a ceremony, but as a commitment: Physiotherapy is not a backup plan; physiotherapy is the game
