Day 3: My day in pictures

I have been thinking of doing this at all the other Games and have never been organized enough. So yesterday, I decided I was going to do it. 

It is difficult as most pictures are ridiculous, silly and, especially, people think I'm weird asking to take a picture of me getting coffee, getting in a bus or a selfie in front of a sign.

So I engaged some poor colleagues, Christina (our Chief Therapist) and Sheila (the women's WC basketball therapist) to be the dedicated picture takers when I wasn't trying some bad attempt at selfies.

Did you know taking a selfie requires some skills...

The goal was to try and "show" more than describe what a typical day looks like. This can't compare to other days when I'm back and forth from the Polyclinic, seeing athletes in the consultation room, dealing with injuries at the road race course or on the side of the court. Yesterday was relatively quiet without too much running around. I'm sure someone truly following me in all my duties as the hours go by would be interesting.

So here it goes, with minimal writing: what my day was like yesterday.

The day starts with early coffee. I usually prefer around 6:30 but these days I go around 7:00. Bring it back to clinic where I get on my computer and do some charting from the day before. Might get some time to get some of this blog written...

Promoting hand hygiene before entering the dining hall

Every time you enter...they have to confirm your accreditation allows you past that checkpoint

First of many coffees...

Breakfast choices

This place is busy all day. 5:30 am or past midnight it is packed. 

Can't bring bags in the dining hall. How many volunteers does it take to check them in? 

Heading to the Tennis centre to see Philippe and Joel compete this morning.

Unless anything happens, I move around watching elite athletes compete. The athletes recognize that our presence, me and the therapist, means we will handle any health or medical issue while we are there.They appreciate our presence. Likely some peace of mind. Especially when we are in other countries.

Have a chat with Christian the coach and Christina our Chief Therapist...and official blog photographer

...and find the athlete's lounge where I can always find coffee

Check in at the Venue Athlete Medical station where Joel is getting some fine tuning before competing

Not Joel, but Philippe Bedard on Centre Court

You can see the effort he puts in. 

Can't stay at tennis longer. After Philippe's match, I had to call for a vehicle from our CPC Operations desk to get me to the women's basketball practice downtown at the Mattamy Centre. Taking the usual Game's shuttle would eventually get me to the Village where I would have to take another shuttle to the gym. Too much wasted time.

This is the entrance for fans. I have to find the Accredited entrance

Always check to see if anyone needs coffee before coming in.  Sheila, the team therapist, is also my second official blog photographer

Doesn't take long before my phone rings to deal with other issues occurring all over the place

 Once in a while one needs to take the Coach's pulse. Just to make sure everything is under control

Double photo bomb by Assistant Coach Michael and Jamie  

Sheila catches me at my second "occupation" getting pictures 

Turned out OK. Maude working on free throws as Michael annoys her

Got back to Village using the shuttle, then straight to the Dining hall as it is late afternoon and we will likely not have time for dinner before leaving for the Game on the  6:30 shuttle.

Since it is 3:30, we can call this lunch

I think this is pretty healthy

The World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) always has an athlete education booth in the Dining Hall. They give fun gifts for filling out online questionnaires and even a nice baseball hat for the sinking 2 out 3 putts....

First I get the nice sunglasses for the quiz

Got my hat after this amazing shot

Didn't get any pictures of some more clinic work (more administrative), which is hard to stay away from as I pass right in front of the clinic's entrance as I walk to my room. 

Since it is around 5:30 and the bus to the game is in an hour, I have time to seek to the gym for a little bit of exercise.

Just 30 minutes can make a difference in the day. I try to get to it at 6 am but at one point, I need sleep.

A small pre-game meal with the team. We won't see food again until we return around midnight.
I learned Maude really loves bananas!

As usual, many meals are eaten join the run. On the shuttle to the game

Since we get there very early. Allows time to see the game going on ahead of us. The US women's team is eplaying Peru

Lots of fan support. That board will show 80-27 for Canada at the end of our Game

Pre Game instructions from Bill

Got a chance to go bug Courtney, from Wheelchair Basketball Canada, here with a Media pass

Before every event, I meet with the host medical services who run athlete medical  services at the Venue.
We tell them they can enjoy the game as we will deal with our own injured athletes. We will signal them if we need further assistance and EMS

Finally, back at Village around midnight. I get a chance to enjoy a  little wine with others from our team who are available.
Tonight, either not visible or taking the picture, I'm here with Andy, Sheila and Christina. 

That was yesterday. I didn't take pictures of every time I was on the phone dealing with issues, keeping track of ongoing problems, communicating with some of our medical team members about athlete situations or the Village Polyclinic who update us on lab and imaging results and all medical concerns from some of our athletes who are requiring more advanced care at that centre or in hospitals. That's why my phone needs recharging more than once per day.

Every day is different. 

Tomorrow comes fast when 6:30 starts all over again.

Hope you enjoyed my little picture essay.