Physical therapists from WCPT member organisations in 26 countries took part in WCPT’s committees and expert groups and 360 people volunteered as abstract reviewers for WCPT Congress 2017. WCPT staff delivered advocacy workshops in Japan and Senegal, and the SUDA project has led to membership applications from Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal.
WCPT held its first congress in Africa in 2017 and the event attracted 2,392 delegates from 101 countries. The congress was recognised for funding bursaries which enabled 19 physical therapists to attend, raising money for community exercise programmes, and developing partnerships to promote physical activity in schools. As a result of these, and other activities, WCPT received an Incredible Impacts award, recognising the outstanding legacy activities that have benefitted Africa and the wider community.
Jonathon Kruger, WCPT’s Chief Executive, said:
‘It was an honour to be able to hold congress in Africa for the first time. The move to holding congress every two years offers more opportunities to visit different parts of the world and bring the global physical therapy community together.
‘WCPT staff and volunteers have worked hard to achieve our vision of moving physical therapy forward, and I’ve been impressed by their commitment to update policies and procedures, complete the member engagement project, and contribute to the governance review. These activities are all designed to shape WCPT as an effective and efficient organisation for the 21st century.
‘The style and format of this year’s annual review captures the dynamism and drive within WCPT.’
