Congress Opening Ceremony
More than 2000 delegates came together for the first time on Tuesday 25 July to attend the Opening Ceremony of the WFOT Congress. The auditorium was abuzz as OTs from around the world caught up with old friends and colleagues, compared their plans for the week, and shared the vibe.
Formalities commenced with a welcome from OT AUSTRALIA’s CEO David Duncan, Executive Director of the WFOT Marilyn Pattison, and the President of the WFOT Dr Kit Sinclair.
In a perfect illustration of the multi-cultural and indigenous spirit of Australia, delegates were treated to a stunning musical world tour by the violin trio the String Divas, accompanied by a haunting didgeridoo performance.
The Congress was then officially opened by Australia’s Federal Minister for Human Services, the Honourable Joe Hockey, who won the crowd over with his speech on the need for government to support the work of OTs in Australia, particularly in light of the ageing population and the growing issue of mental health.
An impressive public speaker, Minister Hockey also noted the importance of occupational therapy as a factor impacting local and global economies both now and into the future.
Visit the Photo Album for images of the Opening Ceremony.