|
Students from the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) Virginia Campus travel to challenge students from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in the inaugural A.T. Still Osteopathic Cup.
The match, which will be held on April 3 at 1pm at PCOM's home match ground in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will benefit the Center for Autism.
"This charity game between the two schools provides just another avenue in which physicians, students and their friends are trying to make a difference,” said Cris Mathew, a VCOM student who helped to organize the match.
"Doctors are known for saving lives, but they are definitely not known for playing rugby!"
The charity rugby match is named after Andrew Taylor (A.T.) Still, who lived from 1828 to 1927 and is recognized as the father of osteopathic medicine.
Players are raising money by selling t-shirts and securing donations to benefit the Center for Autism, which is the United States' oldest specialized autism treatment center and is located in Philadelphia.
Osteopathic medicine and rugby may not seem to have much in common, but Mathew sees clear connections between the profession and the sport.
“Having such a strong emphasis on musculoskeletal medicine, rugby has also helped us hone our manipulation skills," he said. "We had so many players coming to us asking if we could help them out, we started bringing our treatment tables to games and practices.”
Donations to benefit the Center of Autism can be sent by check to VCOM (2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, made out to VCOM Rugby with “Center for Autism” in the subject/memo line) or given to either club’s representatives at the event, which will be located at 4162 Monument Road in Philadelphia between the Target and Pathmart supermarkets. There will be no charge to attend.
