Some of the country’s leading sports and medical figures will hold a discussion and interactive session about asthma in Rathdowney on Wednesday, October 11.
Among the speakers at the event will be Tipperary All-Star hurler Seamie Callanan, who managed his condition and became one of the top players in the country.
The Tipperary full-forward will be discussing how he overcomes his asthma to perform at the highest levels of the GAA.
He will be joined by special guest speakers CEO of Asthma Ireland Averil Power and Dr Mohammed Tariq from Portlaoise General Hospital.
Laois senior hurling captain Ross King will also be there while it has now been confirmed the Portlaoise AFC’s Derek Beale will also be present.
All panel members will field questions and discuss their personal experiences of asthma in their daily lives and managing it effectively.
The panel will also be involved in a number of physical challenges where they will be given points, which will be scored by how quick they can complete these tasks.
Each participant will then undertake a peak flow test, which measures how well your lungs are working.
There will also be plenty of opportunity for audience participation, including interactive challenges.
And there will be photo opportunities after.
Dr Tariq said, “I’m delighted to attend this important event to discuss asthma in sports. For sports players, asthma can be a particular challenge so it’s important to know what triggers your asthma attacks and how you can treat them effectively. It’s also important to speak with your coaches, make sure they are aware of your asthma, and have a plan in place to manage a sudden attack.”
James Kelly, Sports Officer with the Laois Sports Partnership, noted: “The event is about letting people know that having asthma is not a barrier to participation in sport. The key is about managing your asthma effectively to ensure that you can be at your best. It’s also about educating parents and sports coaches about what they need to be aware of and/or do when working with children with asthma.”
The event is open to all and everyone is invited to attend. It kicks off from 6.45pm.
For more information phone 057 8671248 or email info@laoissports.ie
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