Local sport will survive and thrive after pandemic
WE ARE in uncharted territory – that much is obvious.
The Coronavirus pandemic is something we have never experienced and it is impossible to determine how it will effect society.
Narrowing down our view we can see the clear effect it has had on sport.
In short – there is no sport. Locally, it’s all off and that sucks to put it bluntly.
During my football days I hated being on the sideline.
Injuries were relevantly easy to deal with because there was something physically preventing me from playing.
Suspension was a whole other matter because I felt frustrated by the fact I’d made a mistake and was paying the price.
What I experienced during my youth is nothing compared to what is happening right now though.
Everyday this week we added another sport to our “cancelled list”.
Hockey was the “last domino” to fall locally and I commend them, alongside every other sporting group, for putting the health of their players above everything else.
The decision to cancel all play, or delay season starts, would not have been an easy one to make but it is the right one.
Our clubs, sporting groups and competitions are going to take a hit – there is no doubt about that.
But what are the alternatives?
Wear a few hard hits now – think redrafting schedules or determining championship results after incomplete seasons – or suffer a knockout blow – players, family and supporters sidelined for an indefinite amount of time by COVID-19.
Better to take the small hard hits now and prepare for a brighter future in my book.
And I do believe the future will be bright – eventually.
I cut my teeth as a journalist in Kingaroy – fresh out of university it was also my first time away from home.
I had no friends and a for a while I felt very isolated outside my work environment.
That changed when the local football clubs got word of my passion for the game.
Soon enough I was signed up and had myself a new friendship group.
Sport is a part of every community – from the outback to the city.
Clubs and sports will experience “ups and downs” but they rarely disappear completely – look at the resurgent Newtown Lions as a prime example.
When sport comes back – and it will come back – the fans, supporters and players will be there.
Things might look a little different but when has sport ever been predictable?
In the meantime stay safe, stay healthy and keep your footy boots ready to go.