Pucks, sticks, and curling stones could break some bones at the 2026 Manitoba Games in Thompson last month, but UWinnipeg athletic therapy students and members of the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Health where there to assist the injured and help athletes achieve their best.
The seven students who participated as medical volunteers were accompanied by faculty members Michayla Esteves, Val Pelleck, Ben Trunzo, and UWinnipeg alum and athletic therapist Carlo Dungca (BSC4 16). Together, the students and faculty were an integral part of the medical support team at the Games.
Students assisted with sideline coverage of a variety of sports. They attended to injured athletes on the field and in the polyclinic where athletes would go for treatment in between competition.
“The students were an integral part of the medical volunteer contingent, as they were able to assist with injury assessments, pre-event taping, and on-field injury management for sports like hockey, futsal, gymnastics, and wrestling,” Pelleck said. “Our students were able to take the skills they’ve learned in class and labs, as well as in their practicum placements, and apply them in new situations, and in many cases, to sports they were unfamiliar with.”
All students worked in an interdisciplinary setting during shifts in the polyclinic. The UWinnipeg students used their full scope of practice and training for injured and sick athletes by collaborating on athlete care with physicians, nurses, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
I was inspired by the chance to reach more people and showcase what athletic therapy is all about.
Alberto Pozo
Alberto Pozo, one of the student volunteers, is in his final term of the Athletic Therapy program at UWinnipeg. He described his experience at the Games as the adventure of a lifetime. Every day was highlighted by meeting new people and by working in the field and in a clinical environment.
Pozo volunteered at the Manitoba Games to gain hands-on experience in a multi-sport environment, and to connect with athletes, other professionals, and the wider community.
“I knew this would be an incredible opportunity to put my skills into action while supporting athletes during competition,” shared Pozo. “But just as importantly, I was inspired by the chance to reach more people and showcase what athletic therapy is all about.”
Pozo discovered ringette at the Games, and he is now interested in the sport from a medical coverage perspective. Although one of his goals is to work in professional sports—ideally the NBA—his experience in Thompson has shown him that there are numerous paths to take in athletic therapy, and that meaningful connections can be made with people from a variety of backgrounds.
“The combination of human connection, problem solving, and being in a fast-paced sport environment is what makes this field so rewarding to me,” he said. “Ultimately, the Games were the perfect blend of gaining experience, helping athletes, and getting to advocate for this field I love!”
