As a host venue for basketball and volleyball events for the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, Niagara College’s Welland Campus will see some of the country’s most promising athletes compete for their home provinces and territories.
Supporting those athletes behind-the-scenes is Kelsie Stunden, an Athletic Therapist with NC’s Athletics and Recreation department who is leading the Canada Games’ medical team on-campus during week one (Aug. 8-12) of competitions.
InsideNC caught up with Stunden, a St. Catharines native who currently resides in Fenwick, to find out more about this once-in-a-lifetime volunteer opportunity.
What is your educational background? Professional credentials?
I am a Certified Athletic Therapist, Registered Massage Therapist and First Responder. I graduated in 2009 from Sheridan College with a Bachelors of Applied Health Science (Athletic Therapy) and successfully completed my certification exam in June 2009. In 2011, I completed a diploma in Massage Therapy (Advanced Standing) from the Ontario College of Health and Technology and successfully completed the Registered Massage Therapy Certification Exams in June 2011. In 2020, I graduated from Meridian Health Education with a Certificate in Acupuncture and Dry Needling. Finally, I am currently working towards a Masters in Kinesiology, Management and Leadership from Western University.
How long have you worked at Niagara College and what is your role? How do you support student-athletes through your work?
I have worked at NC for 6 years in the role of Certified Athletic Therapist CAT(C). As a CAT(C), on the field/court I provide emergency care, sideline injury assessments, safe and efficient return to play decisions, concussion assessments and injury taping and wrapping. In the Athletic Therapy clinic (Welland Campus), I provide thorough musculoskeletal injury assessments and create and implement rehabilitation programs. The clinic also provides placement opportunities to the students from NC’s Exercise Science for Health and Performance program and Fitness and Health Promotion program.
How/why did you get involved with the Canada Summer Games?
Kelsie Stunden at the Welland Campus, host location for basketball events during week one of the N22 Canada Summer Games.
I got involved with the Canada Summer Games because I value the experiences I gain from working major multi-sport events. I use my acquired skills in athletic therapy and massage therapy to help athletes perform at their best and it’s a great opportunity to meet new, like-minded people and build my professional network.
Tell us about your role leading medical at the Welland Campus during week one of the Games.
My role is Venue Medical Co-Lead at the Welland Campus. I am the medical lead for week one of the Games and I have a colleague who is the medical lead for week two.
My role started back in 2020 with the original crew and I maintained my involvement throughout. I would be considered a planning volunteer and have worked together with my co-lead to ensure the medical team is set up, ready to go and has all the necessary tools to perform their volunteer role during the games. This has entailed tasks such as attending monthly venue and medical meetings to gain all vital information necessary to perform our role, create the emergency action plan and work together with venue leads and volunteers to ensure the plan is implemented, determine volunteer numbers for each day and coordinate volunteers throughout the duration of the Games.
Who does the medical team consist of on-campus?
Our medical volunteers consist of medical practitioners from predominantly the Niagara and surrounding regions as well as some from out of province. Practitioners include Certified Athletic Therapists, Sport Physiotherapists, Sport Chiropractors, and Registered Massage Therapists. We are also fortunate to have Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy students supporting our medical team at NC.
Do you have colleagues from NC working with you as part of the medical team at the Welland Campus?
Marina Rose, a newly Certified Athletic Therapist who currently holds an Assistant Facilities Coordinator role with NC Athletics and Recreation, will be supporting the medical team as a Certified Athletic Therapist during the Games.
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- Kelsie Stunden (left) with Marina Rose, a Certified Athletic Therapist and Assistant Facilities Coordinator with NC Athletics and Recreation who is also volunteering with the medical team on-campus.
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- Marina Rose assesses a basketball athlete competing at the Welland Campus on Aug. 9 as part of the N22 Canada Summer Games.
What does it mean to you to be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
I feel quite fortunate to be involved in this event and I value the opportunity to contribute my professional skills to my community. This event on home soil is a great opportunity to showcase the Niagara Region and I look forward to seeing sport in Niagara thrive.
How will the experience benefit you professionally, personally?
Professionally, these events will add to my experience as a therapist, both on the field and in the clinic, and help build my network of fellow medical practitioners. Personally, I love being involved in major multi-sport events and love the hype and excitement that will surround the Niagara Region over the coming weeks.
What are you looking forward to most about your involvement with the Canada Games?
I am looking forward to the excitement of being part of a major multi-sport event, working with the next generation of potential Olympians and growing my professional network.
