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Howard Head Sports Medicine Named Official Medical Provider to USA Climbing

VAIL CO —Howard Head Sports Medicine the same medical provider for the US Ski Snowboard and Free Skiing Teams is now the official provider for the USA Climbing Teams. Approached by team officials for their stellar reputation of working with professional and recreational athletes Howard Head therapists will offer physical therapy support at major international events and help improve the quality of the medical support at all of USA Climbing's domestic events.

“This is an exciting partnership for both Howard Head Sports Medicine and the USA Climbing Teams” said Doris Kirchner president and CEO of Vail Valley Medical Center of which Howard Head is a department. “The therapists at Howard Head are some of the best in the nation and working with the teams' climbers will help them treat similar issues these types of athletes face on a recreational basis.”

Howard Head has provided unofficial support to USA Climbing since 2008 and the 1st World Cup in Vail. Since then therapists have helped the athletes prepare for competition and rehabilitate after injury.

“I'm excited at what the future holds for our athletes as organizations like Howard Head Sports Medicine step up to support them in international competition” said Kynan Waggoner CEO of USA Climbing. “Hopefully this is just the beginning of a long relationship with the incredible folks that are part of the Howard Head Sports Medicine family.”

Vice President of Howard Head Sports Medicine Nico Brown has a longstanding relationship with the climbing teams. Upon formalizing the partnership he traveled with the US Youth Climbing Team to Arco Italy for the World Youth Championships in August to provide medical support. “We are thrilled to work directly with USA Climbing and know our combination of aligned passions and missions will surely result in truly exceptional outcomes” he said.

Howard Head Sports Medicine offers a variety of physical and occupational therapy services at 9 locations in Eagle and Summit Counties. They will open a new clinic in Breckenridge this fall. With over 50 trained therapists Howard Head's innovative sports medicine treatments and state-of-the-art equipment help people get back to the activities they love.

USA Climbing is the official governing body of climbing competitions in the United States. Athletes compete in three climbing disciplines: bouldering sport climbing and speed. Recognized by the International Federation of Sport Climbing their mission is to ensure the success and growth of the sport of competition climbing.