A COUPLE of days removed from 2021, and we are still hopeful for the promise of the new year.
But some realities have been carried over from the previous year: the pandemic, restrictions, etc. However, limiting and uncertain, allow me to share things I wish for the new year: The return of amateur sports in the country.
Amateur sports have been on hiatus for almost a year now. While we still have the elite athletes in the fold, it seems problematic that few amateur athletes will follow after them. If amateur sports are reinstated, these budding athletes have already lost precious years of training and competition. How many qualified elementary student-athletes will move on to high school? The same goes for these high school athletes joining higher education. Sports governing bodies and other government institutions need to consider this transition. Other countries are treading the waters for competition amidst the pandemic; we can perhaps learn from them.
Mainstreaming of biking
As a new biker, there is so much potential for biking as we adapt to the pandemic. I have been a weekend biker for almost three months now. I even tried my bike to work route once. The city government has provided adequate support for bikes to be safe in the city. Bike lanes are accessible, and biking communities are very encouraging and supportive of every "kapadyak," even encouraging everyone to follow traffic rules while on the road.
With a supportive LGU and a vibrant cycling community, I wish to see biking as an alternate and sustainable mode of transportation sharing Davao's streets.
Support for local sports coaches
Suppose the wish for the return of amateur sports is still impossible this year. In that case, I hope that ample support always is extended for our local sports coaches, greatly affected by the pandemic and the restrictions it set.
These are my three wishes for the sports community this 2021. Hopefully, they come to fruition as we gradually face the normalcy of restrictions for everyone's safety.
Notes from the sidelines:
I wish to thank SunStar Davao for keeping Game On running even with the challenges of 2020. Special thanks to Ms. Marianne. Game On to the new year, avid readers!