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Sports medicine is aiming to be the latest Australian export to make an impact in China, with Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) and the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) securing a $30,000 grant to raise the profile of Australian sports medicine in Asia.

The Federal Government’s Asian Business Engagement Plan program grant will support the organisations to launch a pilot project to scope opportunities for the export of sports medicine expertise and training to China.

With a focus on strengthening links with key stakeholders in China, SMA and APA will develop a promotional strategy to raise the profile of Australian sports medicine and sports physiotherapy in China, identify opportunities for the export of Australian expertise in these fields, and educate Australian practitioners on sports medicine and physiotherapy opportunities in the target market.

Sports Medicine Australia Chief Execuitve Nello Marino said the project presented a huge opportunity for the Australian sports medicine field to break into the highly sought after Asian market.

Marino stated “with our sports medicine practitioners widely acknowledged as having been trained at the highest level, this is a chance for us to showcase our expertise at an international level.

“This grant will allow organisations such as SMA and the APA to engage sports medicine educators, clinicians and administrators in the export of Australian sports medicine to Asia, with the aim of becoming a leader in the region.”

Australian Physiotherapy Association Chief Executive Cris Massis added “a key outcome of the project is to raise the profile of Australian business capability in sports medicine and sports physiotherapy which to date has not been pursued strategically.

“The project aims to ensure that the profile of Australian sports medicine and sports physiotherapy is given a higher profile in China in addition to thorough education for Australian practitioners considering extending their opportunities in this region.

“Both the APA and SMA will collaborate on all aspects of the project, each will bring their own specific expertise from their particular discipline.”

The APA and SMA have, over the past 100 years and 50 years respectively, actively advocated for quality practice in physiotherapy and sports medicine. Both the APA and SMA have a strong history of delivering programs in the interest of the advancement of the professions and to support the commercial requirements of the respective associations.

Both organisations are seen as the key drivers of professional development within the sector and do deliver a significant proportion of activities to the Australian market.

Both the APA and SMA are highly reputable and structured organisations with dedicated staff in program delivery, project management, marketing, media management and resource development. 

Image courtesy of FIMS (International Organisation of Sports Medicine).

29th October 2012 - ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT TO BE UNIFIERS WITH ASIA

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