A team from Montemorelos University won first place for the second consecutive year in the State Physiotherapy Knowledge Contest, “Fisiotrón,” organized by the Nuevo León College of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (COFIRENL) in Mexico.

The 2025 edition focused on traumatology and orthopedics and was held during the 4th Congress of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, September 20–21, 2025.

The competition brought together teams from universities across the state for multiple phases, combining multiple-choice questions, clinical case analyses, and head-to-head final rounds.

Although the victory brought recognition, prizes, and prestige, students Nancy Rocha, Dinora Flores, and Addy Espinoza said the real value—and the key to their success—was the process that led them there: hours of intense study coupled with spiritual practices they designed as a team.

For several weeks, the team dedicated breaks, afternoons, and days off to mastering the contest guide, solving clinical cases, and simulating question rounds. From the outset, they agreed their preparation would not be purely academic. They incorporated joint prayer, Bible study, and a fast on the Sabbath (Saturday) before the contest.

“In my experience, fasting was the key to feeling completely at peace—confident that God would do His will,” said Rocha, who also represented UM in 2024. “This challenge taught me not to fear failure; the one who doesn’t try loses more.”

Flores said that spiritual focus steadied them in the most tense moments. “When one of us went up to answer, the other two prayed right then,” she said. “We learned that every achievement has meaning only if we give it to God.”

Faculty adviser and professor Misael Castro, who teaches in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation program, called the pairing of discipline and faith the team’s hallmark.

“The students studied diligently, and they also showed serenity and trust in God,” he said.

For Espinoza, the biggest lesson was the power of working together.

“Teamwork let us confirm answers and support one another,” she said. “I learned that with God’s help, our dreams and goals can become reality.”

Along with the prestige of the win, the team received 8,000 Mexican pesos (about US$435), sponsor souvenirs, and a soccer ball signed by players from Rayados de Monterrey.

Beyond the awards, Castro said the experience delivers a message that outlasts any trophy.

“The importance of contests like this is that they motivate students to prepare in the best way, not just to think about competing,” he noted. “What’s truly rewarded is knowledge, discipline, and trust in God—and that is what shapes whole, ethical professionals.”

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.