A large contingent of sports-medicine enthusiasts will converge on Lake Sammamish State Park for a celebration of epic proportions.

The City of Issaquah, together with investors and stakeholders, will host the inaugural Sports Medicine Combine from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 13 at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah. Keynote speakers at the event include Dr. Stanley Herring, Dr. Adam Pourcho and Brian Buck of the Colorado Rockies and Sparta Science. The nine-hour event will include myriad different activities, including live music, fitness classes, kids play zone, massages, water sports, health screenings and food trucks. A 5K fundraiser, which will benefit the Issaquah School District’s Sports Medicine Program, will kick off the event at 8 a.m. Throughout the day, doctors, trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors and pro athletes practicing sports medicine will offer training sessions, free courses and activity classes.

This event is the epitome of a complete experience for not only athletes but for anyone interested in sports medicine. Injuries and sports are something that just go hand and hand. It is very much like peanut butter and jelly or biscuits and gravy. Competing in athletics and completely avoiding injuries are just unavoidable. It is something the majority of individuals can relate to.

In the fall of 2015, I ruptured my left pectoral tendon while repeating repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press. When the tendon gave way, it felt like I had been punched in the forehead. The person spotting me, whom I didn’t know, said I needed to visit the doctor as soon as possible. Instead of getting surgery, I instead opted to undergo physical therapy under the watchful eye of Joshua Field of Peak Sports and Spine Physical Therapy.

The decision has paid off.

While my pectoral tendon will never be the same, it doesn’t affect my day-to-day activities in the least bit. The only time I noticed the lack of the attached tendon is when I’m doing pushups or when I’m swimming in the ocean.

Competing in physical activities is important aspect in order to maintain optimum health. The Issaquah Sports Medicine is a golden opportunity for not only residents across the Eastside but throughout the entire Pacific Northwest region an opportunity to learn from some of the top sports medicine minds in the area.

The event is free to the public but registering online prior to the event is strongly encouraged to avoid long lines at the gate. For more information, visit www.issaquahsportsmed.com.