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Doctors
kick off medical games
By
Louise Cannon
Staff
Writer
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.
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