OVER the weekend, news of the first available vaccines in the country was hogging the headlines. It was the president himself who showed it off to the media. What does this mean for sports now that the vaccine is here?
It is almost a year now that sports activities have been limited or stopped. There is still no clear direction for the resumption of amateur sports as well as professional sports. Even the training and participation of our national athletes in international competitions are dependent on vaccination. There is even an on-going appeal to include athletes in the priority list for vaccines alongside our front liners. For whatever it's worth, vaccination seems like the only way to go for the desired normalcy in our affairs, including sports.
Almost everyone was anticipating the availability of these vaccines to at least curb the infection of Covid-19. A lot has been hampered by this pandemic. As per experts, while vaccines will not prevent one from contracting the virus, they can only lessen its ill effects on the individual affected. I think this is fair enough for the return of sports in the country. If we allow our athletes to participate in sports, we have to keep them safe for their peace of mind, well-being, and families.
Here’s hoping that the available vaccines make their way to those that need them, including our athletes and sports practitioners.
Notes from the sidelines:
Shout out to the SRK riders for conquering Davao-Digos-Davao last Sunday. SRK is composed of different coaches from different sports disciplines brought together by biking and the need to keep active even with the pandemic’s limitations. We may not practice and play the games we love, but biking has allowed us to become involved and engage in sports again, till the next long ride with everyone.
And to those we met along the route-remember to stay safe, keep hydrated, and enjoy the rides.