COC Names Vancouver Therapist to 2010 Olympic Health & Science Team
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced today that it has selected Marc Rizzardo, a Vancouver physiotherapist, as Chief Therapist for the Canadian team at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Rizzardo has significant recent experience with Team Canada. He was Chief Therapist for the COC at the 2007 Pan American Games and a member of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Health & Science Team. Working alongside Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bob McCormack, Rizzardo will assist in managing and supervising all healthcare support services provided to Canadian athletes during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
“I know Marc well and he is an important addition to the Canadian Olympic Health and Science Team,” said Dr. McCormack, also of Vancouver. “Being in a leadership position on the Mission Team can be very demanding, but Marc’s extensive experience at multi-sport Games will be key in providing the best possible preparation and care for our athletes right here in our backyard in 2010.”
The owner of the Metrotown Orthopedic and Sports Physiotherapy clinic in Burnaby, B.C., Rizzardo has more than 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist. Prior to joining Canada’s Pan American Games team last year, Rizzardo served as a medical services team member for Canada at the 1997 World University Games in Sicily, Italy. He has also held the position of sport-specific therapist at the 2001 and 1999 World University Games – as well as at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In addition to representing Canada at several multi-sport Games, Rizzardo has worked as a physiotherapist for a number of prominent sport organizations including the Canadian Soccer Association, Fencing Canada and the Minnesota Wild National Hockey League franchise. At the Games in Beijing, Rizzardo was Chief Head Physiotherapist for the women’s soccer team.
He holds a postgraduate diploma in Sports Physiotherapy. He is currently a Director of SportMed BC and is an active soccer coach since 1986 – including 2008 assistant coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps women’s soccer club.
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will run February 12 to 28.
The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic movement, including Canada’s participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of
programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means.
