WHAT did you do during the first 100 days of quarantine? Have you ever asked this yourself? We have been living with Covid-19 for a year now. We've seen and survived the various reiterations of quarantine, ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, etc. but have we thought about this question?
Over the weekend, I was invited by Ateneo de Davao University Athletics Director Coach Noli Ayo to a virtual gathering of sports personalities from the country and abroad. This gathering was an off-shoot of their MWF sessions initiated during lockdown 2020. Several notable personalities present were Coaches Jong Uichico and Sandy Arespacochaga (Basketball), Coach Oliver Almadro and Dzi Cervacio (Volleyball), Olympian Weena Lim-Reyes (Badminton), Philippine Rugby Chief Ada Milby, and sports event organizer Robbie de Vera among others. The gathering was sharing experiences in sports while quarantined. It is where the question of the first 100 days of quarantine was discussed and reflected.
In each sporting event's spotlight are the athletes and coaches who mesmerize us with their moves and coaching savvy.
As spectators, all we see is the spotlight on these superstars. When the spotlight is not on them, they train and prepare themselves for another day's grind in front of the spotlight and adoring fans.
Incidentally, all of these were unavailable for them and us once the lockdowns took effect. And like most of us, these celebrated sports figures were greatly affected.
It was dreamlike joining these personalities virtually. Knowing that we all share the shared experience of being on lockdown makes it more surreal. But knowing that there is a support group, the one they have built virtually, made the experience more manageable. The virtual support group they have established is one of the many achievements they made in the first 100 days of quarantine.
Covid-19 has forced us to re-think and re-consider all the things we were accustomed to, especially in sports. And as I have repeatedly written about, sports have become more resilient amidst the challenges of Covid-19.
While industries, the economy, and work force have been up on their toes figuring out how to survive, sports have slowly re-established themselves.
Thanks to individuals, groups, and organizations coming together in aid of one another, one sportsman and woman at a time. It seems that a sports DNA runs among us and binds us regardless of sports discipline, location, and nationality.
This DNA wills us to take on the challenge of Covid-19 together and rise and win as one.