Finally, I am back to USA and it is good to be home. I am in the middle of doing my laundry, it was kinda tough while in Taiwan that I only had to hand wash my work clothes, and went to the laundromat once in the middle of downtown Taipei. It is a great feeling to wash my clothes here and feeling fresh again! Also, I am trying to overcome jet lag, and I think I kind of beat it since I am feeling great and have so much energy. It is good to be back to work and get things rolling.
I have to say that this trip is the most unforgettable experience and I took it day by day so I could enjoy it even though we had to go through so much ups and downs since day one. We are sure glad to be back home but it was hard saying good byes to athletes, coaches, and the medical staff.
Ken and I flew back to St. Louis safe and sound and we both discussed and caught up news on soccer teams, and the Deaflympics. I wanted to say that I am honored to be a part of the USA Deaf Soccer Organization and would continue to stay in touch with the players and coaches. I am looking forward to continue getting involved with this organization in the near future. Also, I am looking forward to Athens, Greece 2013 if my employer would let me (this will happen in June or July so it shouldnt be a problem, hmmmmm :-)
Oh yes, I keep forgetting to tell you this, in the last two posts, I filed a complaint against the referee that pushed me in the back. I turned in my letter of concern to the technical director, so he took it and put it in the file, and said that the referee is banned from Deaf International Soccer games for good for what he did to me, injured player, and the USA team (giving 9 yellow cards and 3 red cards) by giving Argentina advantage to take this win.
I hope I dont forget anything. Also, there wasnt much to say anything on the last few days of the Deaflympics. I took the final pictures and posted them on the flicker.com. If I think of anything that pops up in my mind then I'll post it but there wont be that much. If you want to know more details or any questions you want to ask, then shoot me an e-mail or post a comment.
I wanted to send this message to few people for letting me get this opportunity away from work and home for 3 long weeks especially at this time of the year. Special thanks go out to Randy Craig, Vice President of PRORehab pc, and Kim Belcher, sports medicine director of PRORehab pc. I also wanted to thank Rachelle Stebbe covering for me while I am gone especially at this time of the year. This is the worst time of the year for all athletic trainers that had to leave their jobs (football season) and go to Taiwan. The soccer teams were blessed to have me and Robyn working with them, they couldnt have made it without us being there. Thank you Randy, Kim and Rachelle.
I guess I'll have to say this "The end". I hope yall enjoyed reading the blog and looking at pictures.
Stay in touch. See you in 2013 hmmm ;-)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
I got so much to say in the last few days but I will fill in more details this coming weekend when I am back in town and get settled (well, kind of...... since I need to start packing and move into my new condo on September 25th). I will just input few important notes.
It is 5:20 am here in Taipei, and I am just trying to stay awake so that I can sleep through 13 hour flight to Los Angeles, and prevent from jet lag. I doubt that will happen so we will see.
Men's soccer team lost to Ireland for a 7th place game, so we ended up 8th out of 16 teams, the best finish in the history of Deaflympics for men's soccer team. We didnt have 7 key players to play in the game. The rest of the guys had their heart and soul into this game, and we played well even though we lost to Ireland 3 to 0.
Congratulations to the women's soccer team for defending their gold medal! They beat Germany in the championship game 4 to 0. Robyn, the athletic trainer for women's soccer team, invited me to join her on the bench and watch the game at the track and field stadium. It was an awesome feeling and good to see those women put a huge smile and knowing that they are world champion.
The closing ceremony was a BLAST! I couldnt describe everything so I took several pictures and videos. (I will update them on flicker.com this weekend.)
Dont think that this is the end, I will have more details later on hopefully by the end of September. I will declare by saying "the end" but not this time so give me time for me to overcome jet lag, catch up work and home.
I'll be back to United States of America, the one and the only in about 30 hours, I can't wait.
Wy-an (Good night) to the city of Taipei.
It is 5:20 am here in Taipei, and I am just trying to stay awake so that I can sleep through 13 hour flight to Los Angeles, and prevent from jet lag. I doubt that will happen so we will see.
Men's soccer team lost to Ireland for a 7th place game, so we ended up 8th out of 16 teams, the best finish in the history of Deaflympics for men's soccer team. We didnt have 7 key players to play in the game. The rest of the guys had their heart and soul into this game, and we played well even though we lost to Ireland 3 to 0.
Congratulations to the women's soccer team for defending their gold medal! They beat Germany in the championship game 4 to 0. Robyn, the athletic trainer for women's soccer team, invited me to join her on the bench and watch the game at the track and field stadium. It was an awesome feeling and good to see those women put a huge smile and knowing that they are world champion.
The closing ceremony was a BLAST! I couldnt describe everything so I took several pictures and videos. (I will update them on flicker.com this weekend.)
Dont think that this is the end, I will have more details later on hopefully by the end of September. I will declare by saying "the end" but not this time so give me time for me to overcome jet lag, catch up work and home.
I'll be back to United States of America, the one and the only in about 30 hours, I can't wait.
Wy-an (Good night) to the city of Taipei.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Argentina
We had a game against Argentina yesterday. I am still shocked since it was the worst game I have ever watched. I wanted the team to forfeit the game since the referee abused and being unfair to the Americans, and one of the player got elbowed to the neck and fell to the ground face first. Here is the article
http://www.usdeaflympics.org/articles/article/2009/sep/12/argentina-elbows-us-2-0/
Also, I got offended by the head referee since I was with an injured player with a head injury, the player was already up so I evaluated him with precautionary measures, and the referee told me to get him off the field which I did, so I walked with him and the referee was behind me, touching and pushing me in the back to get off the field. I got furious and didnt like what he did to me especially with an injured player that had to be sent to the hospital. I am filing a complaint against the referee for what he did to me and the injured player.
We will play the last game tomorrow against Ireland, yes we will play against them again. It is gonna be brutal to the Americans since we had 6 key players that will be out for the game due to 3 red cards and 3 injuries.
http://www.usdeaflympics.org/articles/article/2009/sep/12/argentina-elbows-us-2-0/
Also, I got offended by the head referee since I was with an injured player with a head injury, the player was already up so I evaluated him with precautionary measures, and the referee told me to get him off the field which I did, so I walked with him and the referee was behind me, touching and pushing me in the back to get off the field. I got furious and didnt like what he did to me especially with an injured player that had to be sent to the hospital. I am filing a complaint against the referee for what he did to me and the injured player.
We will play the last game tomorrow against Ireland, yes we will play against them again. It is gonna be brutal to the Americans since we had 6 key players that will be out for the game due to 3 red cards and 3 injuries.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Related website links
Ive been writing down all the posts and some of you may have missed it the beginning so, here are related links so you can look at pictures, and news on Deaflympics, and Taipei, Taiwan
Pictures that I took:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24879088 @ N04 /? saved = 1
USA Deaf soccer organization:
www.usdeafsoccer.com
USA Deaflympics:
www.usdeaflympics.com
Deaflympics:
www.2009deaflympics.org
Deaflympics TV online:
www.deaflympics.tv
Pictures that I took:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24879088 @ N04 /? saved = 1
USA Deaf soccer organization:
www.usdeafsoccer.com
USA Deaflympics:
www.usdeaflympics.com
Deaflympics:
www.2009deaflympics.org
Deaflympics TV online:
www.deaflympics.tv
Game against Russia
I didnt want to post this on the results of Russia vs USA. We didnt play well and simply beat ourselves by losing to Russia 5-0. It was an awful game with horrible officiating. I was this close to get into argument with the referee but I didn't, since I had one player down with a back injury, so I had to rule out spinal injury. I took my time and asking question to the player, but the referee got in the way and waved me and him to get out of the field immediately, so I told him to wait over and over (Someone took pictures of me, the player and the referee). I did mention to the referee that he injured his back and I had to be sure before I do anything. I dont know if he would understand me since he is from Russia. He was just annoying and pushing me to get him off the field right away. So, I quickly asked questions and checking his legs and toes, so it wasnt a spinal injury, and got him off the field and took him back to the bench.
Its one thing that got me livid that most of Russian players faked their injuries (so that the referee would give yellow or red card to USA players) so many times throughout the game, and the referee told Russian players to take their time whenever they are ready to get up. Why cant that referee do that to us?????? It was a very poor sportsmanship by Russian players, and after the game, we walked off the field without shaking their hands. We suspected that the referee from Russia had been helping out the Russian team so we are appealing and filing a complaint against him to the board but there's nothing we can do but move on.
We have two more games to go no matter what win or lose, our next goal is to take fifth place game. We will play Argentina tomorrow (Saturday at 9:30 am). We are taking this by pride for USA.
Also, USA women's soccer team beat Great Britain to advance to the Gold medal match on Monday night. Hats off to the women's team!
Yesterday, I finally took my own time to go on look around Taipei. I went to the National Concert Hall, National Theatre Hall, and The First President of Taiwan memorial. It was a beautiful place. Also, last night, I went to Taipei 101, the world tallest building and rode in the world's fastest elevator. (from first floor to 89 floor- it only took 30 seconds to get there). Of course, I took some pictures and will post online soon. I am hoping to find time to go to National Palace museum and other places this weekend.
Its one thing that got me livid that most of Russian players faked their injuries (so that the referee would give yellow or red card to USA players) so many times throughout the game, and the referee told Russian players to take their time whenever they are ready to get up. Why cant that referee do that to us?????? It was a very poor sportsmanship by Russian players, and after the game, we walked off the field without shaking their hands. We suspected that the referee from Russia had been helping out the Russian team so we are appealing and filing a complaint against him to the board but there's nothing we can do but move on.
We have two more games to go no matter what win or lose, our next goal is to take fifth place game. We will play Argentina tomorrow (Saturday at 9:30 am). We are taking this by pride for USA.
Also, USA women's soccer team beat Great Britain to advance to the Gold medal match on Monday night. Hats off to the women's team!
Yesterday, I finally took my own time to go on look around Taipei. I went to the National Concert Hall, National Theatre Hall, and The First President of Taiwan memorial. It was a beautiful place. Also, last night, I went to Taipei 101, the world tallest building and rode in the world's fastest elevator. (from first floor to 89 floor- it only took 30 seconds to get there). Of course, I took some pictures and will post online soon. I am hoping to find time to go to National Palace museum and other places this weekend.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Communicating with deaf and hard of hearing athletes
Just a thought that I would share this with you on how deaf and hard of hearing athletes perform in competition, and communicating with me.
In my 7 years of athletic training, I have been working with all hearing athletes and coaches. When I am with the deaf athletes, and I have to remind myself to use sign language or talk slowly, I just keep forgetting that they are deaf. Like an example, when I evaluate an athlete's knee, I would talk normal and they didnt understand me so I went like oops I put down the knee and sign it to them so they would understand me.
During a soccer match, there are 8 staff with red flag, 2 on each side (I took a picture of one of them standing up waving the red flag, it is when a referee blows the whistle and everyone stand up and wave the red flag. Also, the referee himself/herself also have bright yellow/orange flag so that would get everyone's attention.
I went to the track meet last night and watched men and women's 100 m sprint, I learned that each lane/block has three lights in front of the block (Red-get in the block, Yellow-get set, Green-GO), I also took a picture of it on the flicker.
Also, I was watching Tae Kwon Do, there are red flashing lights on each corner, and it will flash whenever a judge blows the whistle.
I hope to watch other sports and see how athletes reacts to timer, and referee making calls. In general, most of the referees and staff make universal sign language which we would understand in some way.
Also, I forgot to add on the opening ceremony notes, Jet Li the actor was there to read the prayer on "Power in me" and the President of Republic China was there as well, but he got up to the podium and signed "Let the games begin!" so he declared the Deaflympics games to beging, it was such a honor to be there and watch President of China there.
Tomorrow, we are playing against Russa in the quarterfinal, Russia is a very good, physical team.
In my 7 years of athletic training, I have been working with all hearing athletes and coaches. When I am with the deaf athletes, and I have to remind myself to use sign language or talk slowly, I just keep forgetting that they are deaf. Like an example, when I evaluate an athlete's knee, I would talk normal and they didnt understand me so I went like oops I put down the knee and sign it to them so they would understand me.
During a soccer match, there are 8 staff with red flag, 2 on each side (I took a picture of one of them standing up waving the red flag, it is when a referee blows the whistle and everyone stand up and wave the red flag. Also, the referee himself/herself also have bright yellow/orange flag so that would get everyone's attention.
I went to the track meet last night and watched men and women's 100 m sprint, I learned that each lane/block has three lights in front of the block (Red-get in the block, Yellow-get set, Green-GO), I also took a picture of it on the flicker.
Also, I was watching Tae Kwon Do, there are red flashing lights on each corner, and it will flash whenever a judge blows the whistle.
I hope to watch other sports and see how athletes reacts to timer, and referee making calls. In general, most of the referees and staff make universal sign language which we would understand in some way.
Also, I forgot to add on the opening ceremony notes, Jet Li the actor was there to read the prayer on "Power in me" and the President of Republic China was there as well, but he got up to the podium and signed "Let the games begin!" so he declared the Deaflympics games to beging, it was such a honor to be there and watch President of China there.
Tomorrow, we are playing against Russa in the quarterfinal, Russia is a very good, physical team.
OPENING CEREMONY and soccer updates
I apologized for the delayed post. I have had three hectic emotional days with the men's soccer team and they do wear me out! I really needed a break and not sure when I will ever get one but am enjoying it so far. Here is the new post as I promised on Opening ceremony and soccer team updates.
Opening ceremony was a BLAST!! It was unbelievable. When we (USA) walked together to the arena, there were bunch of taiwanese fans cheering us on, they get excited to take pictures with us, or give them high five, or thumbs up, it is like we were celebrities. We walked into the arena right next to Track and field stadium to stay with ALL athletes, coaches, support staff from all over the world in one plnace while we wait for the parade. We watched the huge screen on whats going on with the opening ceremony at the track stadium. I learned that the city of Taipei spent 20 million american dollars putting up this awesome opening ceremony festivities. Also, the director of choreography was also the director for Beijing Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremony. Finally, we walked into the Track and field stadium and everyone was cheering, and we were very inspired. We also get to see the torch relay and how they start the fire. (it's really hard to explain), when they torched the fire to the wire and it goes directly to the fireworks on the top of the roof from that side to the other side to light up the fire pit. It was stunning! This is truly a special memory for me, and the rest of everyone that were there. I took lots of pictures so you can look at them. I am curious to see what the closing ceremony will be like.
As for the men's soccer team, it has been an overwhelming the past 3 days, this past sunday, we played a hard fought game with Japan and unfortunately, we couldnt score so it ended up tie 0-0 so each team gets one point (2 points for win, 1 point for tie, 0 points for loss), really we didnt play very well. So, we knew that we would have a long shot to make the playoffs (The top two teams in each pool advance to the playoffs, (16 teams, 8 pools overall, 4 teams in each pool) We lost to Ireland, and tied Japan. The next game would be brutal since we will play against Great Britain, the defending world championship team and number one in the world. The soccer team had little faith in themselves, and thinking that they are done for the Deaflympics. Today, we played against them (they were tall, fast and physical and one thing to add.. they love to trash talk), it is like David vs Goliath, and somehow suddenly out of the blue, the soccer team showed their TRUE HEART of this game and stunned the British team 3 to 1. In order to advance the playoffs, we have to win by two goals and WE DID IT! It was unforgettable experience and we cheered wildy and could not believe that we beat the number 1 in the world. Also, we made the top two teams in the pool and advance to the playoffs for the first time ever in the Deaflympics history for USA men's soccer team. We are fired up and looking forward to play either Russia or France on Thursday.
We are starting to believe that we can beat anybody in the world no matter what and just aim for the GOLD! The soccer guys are barely hanging in there with all the bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, and fatigue but they truly showed their heart. One of the soccer guys told me that he cannot believe with all the ups and downs til now, so I responded back to him 'thats what the olympics are all about!'
Opening ceremony was a BLAST!! It was unbelievable. When we (USA) walked together to the arena, there were bunch of taiwanese fans cheering us on, they get excited to take pictures with us, or give them high five, or thumbs up, it is like we were celebrities. We walked into the arena right next to Track and field stadium to stay with ALL athletes, coaches, support staff from all over the world in one plnace while we wait for the parade. We watched the huge screen on whats going on with the opening ceremony at the track stadium. I learned that the city of Taipei spent 20 million american dollars putting up this awesome opening ceremony festivities. Also, the director of choreography was also the director for Beijing Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremony. Finally, we walked into the Track and field stadium and everyone was cheering, and we were very inspired. We also get to see the torch relay and how they start the fire. (it's really hard to explain), when they torched the fire to the wire and it goes directly to the fireworks on the top of the roof from that side to the other side to light up the fire pit. It was stunning! This is truly a special memory for me, and the rest of everyone that were there. I took lots of pictures so you can look at them. I am curious to see what the closing ceremony will be like.
As for the men's soccer team, it has been an overwhelming the past 3 days, this past sunday, we played a hard fought game with Japan and unfortunately, we couldnt score so it ended up tie 0-0 so each team gets one point (2 points for win, 1 point for tie, 0 points for loss), really we didnt play very well. So, we knew that we would have a long shot to make the playoffs (The top two teams in each pool advance to the playoffs, (16 teams, 8 pools overall, 4 teams in each pool) We lost to Ireland, and tied Japan. The next game would be brutal since we will play against Great Britain, the defending world championship team and number one in the world. The soccer team had little faith in themselves, and thinking that they are done for the Deaflympics. Today, we played against them (they were tall, fast and physical and one thing to add.. they love to trash talk), it is like David vs Goliath, and somehow suddenly out of the blue, the soccer team showed their TRUE HEART of this game and stunned the British team 3 to 1. In order to advance the playoffs, we have to win by two goals and WE DID IT! It was unforgettable experience and we cheered wildy and could not believe that we beat the number 1 in the world. Also, we made the top two teams in the pool and advance to the playoffs for the first time ever in the Deaflympics history for USA men's soccer team. We are fired up and looking forward to play either Russia or France on Thursday.
We are starting to believe that we can beat anybody in the world no matter what and just aim for the GOLD! The soccer guys are barely hanging in there with all the bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, and fatigue but they truly showed their heart. One of the soccer guys told me that he cannot believe with all the ups and downs til now, so I responded back to him 'thats what the olympics are all about!'
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
