Samante: GameOn sports round-up

WHILE the world braces for the new normal, here are some developments related to sports from around the world.

• IATF Resolution No. 38 recommends the following: conduct of outdoor non-contact sports such as walking, jogging, running, etc. and other forms of exercise provided they follow minimum health standards of wearing masks, social distancing protocols, etc.

• National Basketball Association plans to resume the season on a single site in late July. They are currently in talks with Disney to hold the games at their property in Orlando.

• Premier League football plans to resume games on August 8.

Incidentally, while most are excited about the resumption of sports events and more physical activity, the threat of Covid-19 is still as prevalent as ever. There are no clear indicators as to who are infected; thus, physical distancing is always a must.

Also, wearing masks while engaging in physical activities can be detrimental to the regular breathing patterns we take. Carbon dioxide out, oxygen in, is a consistent pattern. But with masks on, we inhale more carbon dioxide than oxygen. It disrupts the airflow we take into our bodies and can result in a lack of oxygen in our bodies to function better.

In the new normal, fans are still barred from actual attendance to sports. We have entered the digital age, and this has become our reality. Digital platforms used for content consumption is the way to go for most of us. It helps us maintain physical distance while still enjoying the sports we love.

For us, sports scribes, we have to be tuned to online forums to get sports news and updates if we are to become relevant today. We have to expand our capacities to absorb information and content to relay to our fellow sports fans.

There are but a few of the realities we have to face in the “new normal.” We have to adapt and thrive in this new world.

Notes from the sidelines:

If the NBA ultimately decides to resume the regular season, the playoff seedings may still not be set. With two months of rest for these players, the remaining games will feature well-rested superstars. These games will be similar to the opening games we have during October. It will be exciting times for basketball fans with highly competitive players vying for the title of NBA Champion post-Covid.