Athletes, coaches and fitness trainers will build their knowledge on sports nutrition and exercise science when they attend the International Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) Symposium to be held at Jamaica Pegasus today.

Under the theme ‘The Science and Practice of Running’, the GSSI-sponsored symposium will feature local and international experts who will share research on hydration and nutrition science that will help both athletes and fitness fans to optimise their performance. The panelists are Dr Matthew Pahnke, scientific advisor, GSSI; Dr Nicky Kirk, chiropractor & sports physiologist; Dr Rob Schroeter, physical therapist, part of the medical staff of Miami University; Lic Pedro Reinaldo Garcia, sports nutritionist and science advisor for GSSI Latin America and Dr Akshai Mansingh, Lecturer in sports medicine and consultant orthopedic surgeon at University of the West Indies.

These experts — who have studied the effects of nutrition on the human body before, during and after exercise — will lead discussions on injury prevention and management in athletes; weight maintenance; rehabilitation considerations for runners; sports nutrition and the importance of physiotherapy. The experts will also take a hands-on approach in enlightening attendees by using unique running equipment to conduct tests in fitness performance, cardiovascular endurance, speed and power and more.

“The GSSI is keen on executing programmes that will advance athletics and continue the conversation on effective exercising,” said Cornelia Nathan, Gatorade brand manager. “This symposium provides a unique opportunity for runners to gain insight on improving their performance, form and techniques.”

The symposium is free but interested people were required to preregister by March 30.