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!'
Saturday, September 5, 2009
More blogs coming soon
Pictures are posted after the awesome opening ceremony last night. It was unbelievable. You can watch on www.deaflympics.tv I will write more later on.
I will work on the blog soon but I am heading out to tape the soccer guys getting ready for the soccer game against Japan. This is a MUST-WIN for USA team.
I will work on the blog soon but I am heading out to tape the soccer guys getting ready for the soccer game against Japan. This is a MUST-WIN for USA team.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Pictures!
I just updated the most recent pictures online. I will work on the title of each picture sometime soon.
Also, for those of you commented on bringing the rain, I'll see what I can do to to bring the rain back to Texas and South Carolina!
Also, for those of you commented on bringing the rain, I'll see what I can do to to bring the rain back to Texas and South Carolina!
The day before the opening ceremony
It's been a hectic time the last two days since we arrived in Taipei. I finally got the chance to sit down and relax.
When we arrived to the hotel on wednesday, other athletic trainer, Robyn and I went out to lunch but we got lost walking around two blocks over and over trying to find a 'good' place to eat. Most of the restaurants look disgusting and unhealthy food. (remember, we cannot drink tap water outside of the hotel, or else it will cause diarrhea). So, we ended up being hungry and had to go with the soccer teams to City Hall to register and collect the badge and passes for the games. It took us 2 hours waiting to get ours. Anyway, while we were at the building, I went to the bathroom and I was about to wash my hands, and saw two guys from another country (I think Turkey, but I didnt recognize the flag). They were washing their hands for a long time, finally they washed their face and hair, and THEN, they took off their shoes and put their foot in the sink to wash their feet. I felt disgusted and ran away from the bathroom. I guess it is part of their culture or something that they do from their country.
Today was the big game day for men's soccer team. They played Ireland..... well we lost to them 0 to 2. We didnt play very well, and the soccer field was WET and puddles everywhere. Yeah, of course it was raining hard and typhoon is expected to come this weekend. When players try to pass the ball in the midfield, it suddenly stops due to the puddle in that area. Hopefully, we will bounce back and beat Japan on Sunday.
I want to share this experience with you working with an injured player that has go to the emergency room. A player got hit in the ribs and had trouble breathing and felt very dizzy so he passed out on the soccer field. When I got to him, he was conscious and saying that he felt like he was hit by a truck. We put him on a stretcher so the game can go on. When I was working with him, bunch of taiwanese medical staff came over here, and will probably have to go to the hospital for precautions, I TRIED to communicate with the taiwanese staff, and thankfully the international sign language interpreter came over, so she could communicate with me in sign language and lip reading, then she interprets to the Taiwanese interpreter, then translate to the medical staff. It was like a 4-way. It was just overwhelming working with the Taiwanese medical staff. In general, I had a tough time understanding them with their accent and speaking soft, and I guess they dont understand me as well.
That player just got out of the hospital, and got to the hotel room resting so he is okay but sore.
Later on, I will have to tell you more on communicating with fellow athletic trainers, team doctors, coaches and athletes later on. But I gotta go and check on that player, and head to the training room.
When we arrived to the hotel on wednesday, other athletic trainer, Robyn and I went out to lunch but we got lost walking around two blocks over and over trying to find a 'good' place to eat. Most of the restaurants look disgusting and unhealthy food. (remember, we cannot drink tap water outside of the hotel, or else it will cause diarrhea). So, we ended up being hungry and had to go with the soccer teams to City Hall to register and collect the badge and passes for the games. It took us 2 hours waiting to get ours. Anyway, while we were at the building, I went to the bathroom and I was about to wash my hands, and saw two guys from another country (I think Turkey, but I didnt recognize the flag). They were washing their hands for a long time, finally they washed their face and hair, and THEN, they took off their shoes and put their foot in the sink to wash their feet. I felt disgusted and ran away from the bathroom. I guess it is part of their culture or something that they do from their country.
Today was the big game day for men's soccer team. They played Ireland..... well we lost to them 0 to 2. We didnt play very well, and the soccer field was WET and puddles everywhere. Yeah, of course it was raining hard and typhoon is expected to come this weekend. When players try to pass the ball in the midfield, it suddenly stops due to the puddle in that area. Hopefully, we will bounce back and beat Japan on Sunday.
I want to share this experience with you working with an injured player that has go to the emergency room. A player got hit in the ribs and had trouble breathing and felt very dizzy so he passed out on the soccer field. When I got to him, he was conscious and saying that he felt like he was hit by a truck. We put him on a stretcher so the game can go on. When I was working with him, bunch of taiwanese medical staff came over here, and will probably have to go to the hospital for precautions, I TRIED to communicate with the taiwanese staff, and thankfully the international sign language interpreter came over, so she could communicate with me in sign language and lip reading, then she interprets to the Taiwanese interpreter, then translate to the medical staff. It was like a 4-way. It was just overwhelming working with the Taiwanese medical staff. In general, I had a tough time understanding them with their accent and speaking soft, and I guess they dont understand me as well.
That player just got out of the hospital, and got to the hotel room resting so he is okay but sore.
Later on, I will have to tell you more on communicating with fellow athletic trainers, team doctors, coaches and athletes later on. But I gotta go and check on that player, and head to the training room.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tis the rainy season.....Rain, Rain... go away!
We learned that its the rainy season at this time of the year. It has been raining every day in the afternoon to early evening. It was odd that this particular time in the afternoon and not any other times (morning and night) that storm comes. Also, there were lightning and thunder which we had to call off afternoon practices. Everyone were frustrated and need to get things rolling, but we managed to get through.
Yesterday, we had a scrimmage against local Taiwanese soccer club. We didnt play very well but it was a big bonus so that will help them prepare for a huge game against Ireland this friday.
Today, we are heading back to Taipei to get settled. I didnt get the chance to look around Chiayi City due to busy soccer schedule so hopefully, I will have time to look around Taipei.
There wasnt much to say and I am sure that a lot of exciting things when the Deaflympics begins (First soccer game on Friday and Opening ceremony on saturday). I believe that the country of Taiwan had done a great job advertising the Deaflympics. I was watching ESPN sportscenter, and they were talking about Deaflympics for 5 minutes and it will be on TV for 4 hours (I couldnt understand the rest since it was in taiwanese language). It will probably be on TV in Taiwan not USA. I thought it was so cool!
Yesterday, we had a scrimmage against local Taiwanese soccer club. We didnt play very well but it was a big bonus so that will help them prepare for a huge game against Ireland this friday.
Today, we are heading back to Taipei to get settled. I didnt get the chance to look around Chiayi City due to busy soccer schedule so hopefully, I will have time to look around Taipei.
There wasnt much to say and I am sure that a lot of exciting things when the Deaflympics begins (First soccer game on Friday and Opening ceremony on saturday). I believe that the country of Taiwan had done a great job advertising the Deaflympics. I was watching ESPN sportscenter, and they were talking about Deaflympics for 5 minutes and it will be on TV for 4 hours (I couldnt understand the rest since it was in taiwanese language). It will probably be on TV in Taiwan not USA. I thought it was so cool!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Zow An!
Taiwanese translation for "Good Morning" I am learning few words. We have several taiwanese language interepreters everywhere to help us, so Ive been asking them few words. So far, I know good morning, thank you, Sorry. When I speak to them, and they smiled and understood me so I got fired up and know little about taiwanese language.
We have been busy with the training camp, its two-a-days for most sports. (Whoo! Don't I love two-a-days practices? hmmph) We train at National Cheng Chung University. It is about 30 minutes away from the hotel since we have to drive through the rural town and mostly farm. I took few pictures of the campus, track and field stadium and of course soccer field. Also, on the soccer field, there were dragonflies everywhere and I tried to take a picture of them but couldnt get a clear shot.
The number one enemy is the WEATHER which is HOT and HUMID, like around 85 degrees and 80 percent humidity at 8:00 am. At the first practice, the players were struggling to get through, and I had to take care on few of them. Then the next two practice, they got through and are getting used to the weather as long as they take care of their body by hydrating, and eating fruits. So far, we had no problems eating taiwanese food. But they are in a great shape with positive attitudes to overcome the heat and humidity and focus one at a time and GO FOR THE GOLD!
In the next few days, there probably wont be much to say since we will be doing two-a-days practices, eat, meetings, treating athletes, and sleep........
Fire away if you have any questions or want to know more about anything! I will post pictures up flicker coming soon.
We have been busy with the training camp, its two-a-days for most sports. (Whoo! Don't I love two-a-days practices? hmmph) We train at National Cheng Chung University. It is about 30 minutes away from the hotel since we have to drive through the rural town and mostly farm. I took few pictures of the campus, track and field stadium and of course soccer field. Also, on the soccer field, there were dragonflies everywhere and I tried to take a picture of them but couldnt get a clear shot.
The number one enemy is the WEATHER which is HOT and HUMID, like around 85 degrees and 80 percent humidity at 8:00 am. At the first practice, the players were struggling to get through, and I had to take care on few of them. Then the next two practice, they got through and are getting used to the weather as long as they take care of their body by hydrating, and eating fruits. So far, we had no problems eating taiwanese food. But they are in a great shape with positive attitudes to overcome the heat and humidity and focus one at a time and GO FOR THE GOLD!
In the next few days, there probably wont be much to say since we will be doing two-a-days practices, eat, meetings, treating athletes, and sleep........
Fire away if you have any questions or want to know more about anything! I will post pictures up flicker coming soon.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pictures!!
I had trouble trying to post pictures on this blog. So, I am using flicker website so click on the link. It took me an hour to figure how to post pictures so I couldnt, can anyone help me out on how to post pictures on the blog? E-mail me at jeepman239@yahoo.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24879088@N04/?saved=1
Enjoy the pictures! (some pictures are not good so I couldnt delete them). Sorry!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24879088@N04/?saved=1
Enjoy the pictures! (some pictures are not good so I couldnt delete them). Sorry!
A-Vio-Vio-Yu!!!!
Thats a Tsou, Alishan Tribe's language which means that "I am joyous to welcome you." Noted in a welcome letter that we received when we checked in the hotel. I learned a new word today!
We landed safely this am (friday August 28th) around 5:30 which is one hour early. Then, we rode in a nice charter bus (6 total). The funny thing is that a police car with the sirens on is leading us all the way to Chiayi City, which is about 3 hours south of Taipei. We are staying there just for one week for training camp and then head back to Taipei right before the opening ceremony (September 5th). We looked around Taipei and drove through from town to town. We find it strange that we havent found Taipei 101 (World's tallest building). There were like million acres of rice farm everywhere and several beautiful temples. Oh by the way, no surprises that the weather is HOT and HUMID, probably 3 times worse than St. Louis. It was already hot and humid at 6:00 in the morning when we got out of the airport. It is gonna be brutal to those athletes! Sigh! After we checked in at the hotel, then we finally went to grab some lunch, we were all nervous to eat taiwanese food, but it came out better than expected. I ate T-bone steak, with rice and soup at the food court at the mall. Hopefully, I wont get an upset stomach or too many trips to the bathroom! (Rebecca, I will try to eat few exotic food but not right now so give me time and let me get used to taiwanese food :-)
When we walked around, it was very difficult to communicate with Taiwanese people but luckily, there are interpreters (english) everywhere so that helps a bit. Also, we figured out the currency, 1 American dollar equal 33 taiwanese dollars. We shopped around the mall and looked at the prices, so they are little bit cheaper than USA.
Right now, it's 4:20 pm (Friday) and that means we are 13 hours ahead of St. Louis time (Central time zone) 3:20 am there. I am pretty tired and sleepy but am trying to stay awake til bedtime so I wont be up all night tonight.
I got the free internet in the hotel room and should be no problems posting on the blog daily if I have something to say. Also, I will try to post pictures as of now if I can figure out with this tech thing.
The training camp officially starts tomorrow. I am sure I will have something to share of my experiences as an athletic trainer at a international setting.
Tomorrow, I will be thinking of Eureka Wildcats teams and especially the football game against Lafeyette Lancers tonight. Go WILDCATS!
We landed safely this am (friday August 28th) around 5:30 which is one hour early. Then, we rode in a nice charter bus (6 total). The funny thing is that a police car with the sirens on is leading us all the way to Chiayi City, which is about 3 hours south of Taipei. We are staying there just for one week for training camp and then head back to Taipei right before the opening ceremony (September 5th). We looked around Taipei and drove through from town to town. We find it strange that we havent found Taipei 101 (World's tallest building). There were like million acres of rice farm everywhere and several beautiful temples. Oh by the way, no surprises that the weather is HOT and HUMID, probably 3 times worse than St. Louis. It was already hot and humid at 6:00 in the morning when we got out of the airport. It is gonna be brutal to those athletes! Sigh! After we checked in at the hotel, then we finally went to grab some lunch, we were all nervous to eat taiwanese food, but it came out better than expected. I ate T-bone steak, with rice and soup at the food court at the mall. Hopefully, I wont get an upset stomach or too many trips to the bathroom! (Rebecca, I will try to eat few exotic food but not right now so give me time and let me get used to taiwanese food :-)
When we walked around, it was very difficult to communicate with Taiwanese people but luckily, there are interpreters (english) everywhere so that helps a bit. Also, we figured out the currency, 1 American dollar equal 33 taiwanese dollars. We shopped around the mall and looked at the prices, so they are little bit cheaper than USA.
Right now, it's 4:20 pm (Friday) and that means we are 13 hours ahead of St. Louis time (Central time zone) 3:20 am there. I am pretty tired and sleepy but am trying to stay awake til bedtime so I wont be up all night tonight.
I got the free internet in the hotel room and should be no problems posting on the blog daily if I have something to say. Also, I will try to post pictures as of now if I can figure out with this tech thing.
The training camp officially starts tomorrow. I am sure I will have something to share of my experiences as an athletic trainer at a international setting.
Tomorrow, I will be thinking of Eureka Wildcats teams and especially the football game against Lafeyette Lancers tonight. Go WILDCATS!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
.zzzzz.....zzzzz..... Or counting my hairline on my head to see how many I have..
While at the gate 4 hours early prior to depart LAX. just kidding, I've been busy chatting with medical staff so I need a break. I get the chance to do the blog and see if I try to update it from my blackberry.
Just a bit warning, some of you know that I am not a night person so I probably won't think right and will proofread twice before I submit this post.
Today has been an interesting day. When we arrived Los Angeles, I had to help Ken carry 9 heavy (50 pound) bags that included all the soccer uniforms, and clothes. I was glad to help him since he couldn't do it all by himself. Anyway, we went to Westin Hotel(one of the sponsor for (USA Deaflympics) to register and gather all the cool stuff, the medical staff got Under Armour t-shirt, polo shirt, gym short, huge luggage, hat, and flip flop. We got jealous with the athletes that got nice full warm-up suits and under armour sneakers which is really cool. We were just wandering around and more athletes, coaches, medical staff, and reporters. I just met with the whole soccer teams (men and women) and the medical staff. We were just getting to know each other (8 athletic trainers, and 2 team doctors (family medicine and orthopedics). Me and other two guys are the only deaf athletic trainers and the rest are hearing but knows sign language. One of the team doctor (family medicine) is deaf and I am impressed that he is only 33 years old. We had a brief meeting and discuss which sports to cover, rules, medicine, supplies etc. Finally, the general meeting for everyone that need to know. Here is the flight intinerary from LAX to Taipei, Taiwan, we leave LAX at 1:40 am (Thursday, August 26th) and arrive Taipei at 6:35 am on Friday August 27th. Then, get in the bus and travel 3 hours to get to the training camp which is around noon. I know that we all are gonna be deadbeat, cranky and looking forward to SLEEP on a bed!
Oh by the way, interesting numbers....approximate 195 USA athletes and 40 support staff (coaches, medical staff and media) will fly in ONE plane. I have never rode in a plane with so MANY deaf/hard of hearing people! I had to admit that I had deaf culture shock.
Another website that you could watch games online. www.deaflympics.tv. I haven't looked at it yet.
I took some pictures and will put it on the blog when I check in at the hotel.
Good morning, good afternoon or Good night to yall since I am all confused with the time zones. I will figure it out when I get there. Later!
Just a bit warning, some of you know that I am not a night person so I probably won't think right and will proofread twice before I submit this post.
Today has been an interesting day. When we arrived Los Angeles, I had to help Ken carry 9 heavy (50 pound) bags that included all the soccer uniforms, and clothes. I was glad to help him since he couldn't do it all by himself. Anyway, we went to Westin Hotel(one of the sponsor for (USA Deaflympics) to register and gather all the cool stuff, the medical staff got Under Armour t-shirt, polo shirt, gym short, huge luggage, hat, and flip flop. We got jealous with the athletes that got nice full warm-up suits and under armour sneakers which is really cool. We were just wandering around and more athletes, coaches, medical staff, and reporters. I just met with the whole soccer teams (men and women) and the medical staff. We were just getting to know each other (8 athletic trainers, and 2 team doctors (family medicine and orthopedics). Me and other two guys are the only deaf athletic trainers and the rest are hearing but knows sign language. One of the team doctor (family medicine) is deaf and I am impressed that he is only 33 years old. We had a brief meeting and discuss which sports to cover, rules, medicine, supplies etc. Finally, the general meeting for everyone that need to know. Here is the flight intinerary from LAX to Taipei, Taiwan, we leave LAX at 1:40 am (Thursday, August 26th) and arrive Taipei at 6:35 am on Friday August 27th. Then, get in the bus and travel 3 hours to get to the training camp which is around noon. I know that we all are gonna be deadbeat, cranky and looking forward to SLEEP on a bed!
Oh by the way, interesting numbers....approximate 195 USA athletes and 40 support staff (coaches, medical staff and media) will fly in ONE plane. I have never rode in a plane with so MANY deaf/hard of hearing people! I had to admit that I had deaf culture shock.
Another website that you could watch games online. www.deaflympics.tv. I haven't looked at it yet.
I took some pictures and will put it on the blog when I check in at the hotel.
Good morning, good afternoon or Good night to yall since I am all confused with the time zones. I will figure it out when I get there. Later!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
4 more days to go!
4 more days to leave St. Louis and arrive in Los Angeles around 11:00 am, and then meeting with Sports medicine team at 4:00 pm. Then I guess we will be waiting until 1:40 am on Thursday August 27th to leave Los Angeles to Taiwan. To be honest, I am not looking forward to be in an airplane for almost 20 hours but I will enjoy meeting with sports medicine team and athletes in the plane.
Also, I found out that Ken Noll, the president of USA Deaf Soccer organization (www.usdeafsoccer.com), is from Edwardsville, Illinois will play for the soccer team. We realized that we are in the same flight from St. Louis to LAX and return. I only met him twice and am looking forward to getting to know him and learn more about Deaflympics and the soccer team.
I found another cool website, http://www.usdeaflympics.org/ It will provide updates on each sports with roster, news, and scores. Stay tuned.......
Also, I found out that Ken Noll, the president of USA Deaf Soccer organization (www.usdeafsoccer.com), is from Edwardsville, Illinois will play for the soccer team. We realized that we are in the same flight from St. Louis to LAX and return. I only met him twice and am looking forward to getting to know him and learn more about Deaflympics and the soccer team.
I found another cool website, http://www.usdeaflympics.org/ It will provide updates on each sports with roster, news, and scores. Stay tuned.......
Friday, August 14, 2009
First time using this blog ever!
Hello all,
I have been playing around with this blog since I have never done this before. Anyway, the staff at PRORehab pc., in St. Louis, Missouri, that I work for, asked me to do a blog and I will be glad to share my experiences as an athletic trainer for Men's soccer at the Deaflympics (This is where all deaf and hard of hearing athletes from all over the world compete in the Olympics) in Taipei, Taiwan. Look at this website http://www.2009deaflympics.com/ I am excited and taking the opportunity to work as an athletic trainer at an international settings. It runs from September 5th til 15th, but I leave St. Louis on August 26th to Los Angeles to meet with the sports medicine team and head to Taipei, Taiwan.
I will try to do my best to keep up to date almost daily on this blog so you can enjoy reading this. I really dont know what my schedule will be like but I will be sure to find a time to do so. To be continued on August 26th or 27th.
I have been playing around with this blog since I have never done this before. Anyway, the staff at PRORehab pc., in St. Louis, Missouri, that I work for, asked me to do a blog and I will be glad to share my experiences as an athletic trainer for Men's soccer at the Deaflympics (This is where all deaf and hard of hearing athletes from all over the world compete in the Olympics) in Taipei, Taiwan. Look at this website http://www.2009deaflympics.com/ I am excited and taking the opportunity to work as an athletic trainer at an international settings. It runs from September 5th til 15th, but I leave St. Louis on August 26th to Los Angeles to meet with the sports medicine team and head to Taipei, Taiwan.
I will try to do my best to keep up to date almost daily on this blog so you can enjoy reading this. I really dont know what my schedule will be like but I will be sure to find a time to do so. To be continued on August 26th or 27th.
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