Manassas Journal Messenger 2/12/01

Doctors

By

Staff

MANASSAS – Some local doctors and dentists are making plans to trade

in their stethoscopes and scrubs for cleats and sweats to compete in this

summer’s World Medical Games in Evian, France.

Practicing two nights a week at Manassas’ Sports Network indoor soccer

facility, a team of 11 men run, kick and bounce soccer balls from their

heads, with a few disruptions from a job-required pager or cell phone.

“I am very excited. It’s the first of it’s kind for medical professionals,”

said Dr. Hamid Taheri, a cardiologist at Prince William Hospital.

Dr. John Cary, internal medicine doctor at Prince William Hospital,

found out about the sports event through an article in American Medical

Newspaper. He later began to form a soccer team to compete.

“I met these guys mostly through colleagues – medical connections

and soccer connections,” Cary said.

Cary said most of the guys on the team have played soccer either in

high school or college.

Regardless of the team’s experience, Cary is sure their coach, Irish

native and former soccer professional Anthony Nulty will contribute to their

success.

“The coach has really stepped up the intensity,” he said.

“He’s a good motivator.”

Nulty, 70, is leading the team with punch and lifetime experience in

soccer.

“I was born with the ball at my feet,” he said. “You’re

not Irish if you don’t play soccer.”

Watching the players juggle soccer balls at their heels, hollering “they’re

going to be running for that ball,” Nulty said his team will be ready

to face international opponents.

“No worry about that,” he said.

The World Medical Games will be held from June 23 to 30. Doctors, dentists,

veterinarians, physical therapists, and pharmacists from more than 40 countries

will participate in an array of sporting events including soccer, tennis,

track and field, volleyball and swimming. Gold, silver and bronze medals

will be given to winning teams.