AS a football parent, I was relieved that two of the biggest football festivals slated this month have been postponed.
The reason? The Department of Health has issued an advisory against the holding of public events due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
With that I support the Central Visayas Football Association’s (CVFA) decision to reschedule the 10th Sinulog Festival Cup, citing the DOH advisory.
“The Department of Health strongly urges the public to avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees,” the DOH advisory read.
“The DOH likewise recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice,” the advisory further said.
The CVFA Board, the tournament organizer of the Sinulog Festival Cup slated for Feb. 15 and 16, found it prudent to abide by the advisory.
A couple of days after the CVFA announced on Feb. 11 the postponement of the festival, organizers of the 17th Thirsty Football Cup followed suit and postponed the competition, also citing the DOH advisory.
The Thirsty Cup was slated from Feb. 29 to March 1.
No new schedules have been announced for both festivals.
In the morning of Feb. 11, the CVFA Board was deliberating for hours whether to postpone the festival.
By noon the board arrived at the decision and promptly sent a letter to registered football teams and clubs.
“We ask for the understanding of the football community on this matter and we urge everyone to keep safe and continue to take self-protection measures from the (COVID-19),” said the CVFA in a letter that Board president Rodney Orayle signed.
With 14 categories, the Sinulog Cup alone will draw hundreds of participants during a weekend of football, not to mention the parents, supporters and merchants who will gather at the venue.
I heard a few grumblings mostly from older players over the postponement.
But the health and safety of the public far outweighs momentary inconveniences and disappointments.
It was a tough call but the right one.