WHAT have we been missing one year and six months into this pandemic? Have we asked ourselves this question? Alternatively, are we already so accustomed to the monthly quarantine classification that things do not matter anymore?
It is said: “To move forward, we have to look back.” One year and six months after, what are the things we can look back on that allow us to move forward?
Sorely missed is the thrill of sports competitions at all levels. Yes, we have the NBA and other international events. However, we still cannot cheer for our student-athletes, schools, and even our local amateur sports icons.
Directions into the resumption of these competitions are not clear, if there is a direction at all. Sports training and engagements like sports clinics are still not allowed. We are still confined in bubble training, and we cannot always do virtual training.
Engaging in sports, much like other engagement activities, would still require a certain amount of face-to-face interaction.
We are already missing several things, and we must take steps to ensure that these activities are included in the transition to a new normal -- where virtual and face-to-face interaction must happen.
The threat of Covid-19 is still genuine. Mutations and infections are still happening. Vaccines, while rolling out, are still not enough. In preparing for this transition, government and private sports organizations must now work together for sports in the country.
IATF should consider the role of sports in the recovery of the country from this pandemic. Sports tourism can help with the advent of a new bike revolution across the country. Bikers can make cross-country trips while on their bikes.
Non-contact sports may be promoted in place of traditional contact sports, like badminton, chess, etc.
Now may be a good time for the NSAs to step up to the challenge of promoting these events.
Many sports livelihood such as sports officiating and coaching have also been halted. A clear-cut plan to resume sports events will also ensure that these sports officials and coaches will gain their livelihood again.
And of course, when competitions are allowed, school sports might follow suit, and the sports scholars can resume their scholarships. It is a win-win scenario for sports and the recovery of our country. We cannot just allow the pandemic to snuff the life out of us.
We need to keep moving.