THANK GOODNESS, OYDC REOPENS
THE coronavirus has crippled many sports disciplines in Zambia to their knees with more associations announcing the cancellation of their national leagues and all games for 2020.
Just a few days ago, the Zambia Volleyball Association announced the cancellation of their national league for this year. And the worry has been how to keep the athletes fit during this abrupt off season?
Gladly, this week’s announcement that Lusaka’s OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre has been cleared to to start its activities ignited hope.
OYDC Chief Executive Officer Frederick Chitangala said only sports disciplines like Netball, Hockey, Beach Volley and Basketball has so far resumed in a bid to maintain a minimum number of people at the facility.
The OYDC is home for a wide range of sports activities and for some sports it is the only place which has world class facilities. Games such as hockey, swimming, beach volleyball, handball among others massively depend on OYDC for their activities.
Some of the so-called “minor” sports have no other sports centres where they can train or practice apart from the OYDC hence, the reopening will definitely have a positive impact on the various sports.
It is difficult to find a tennis court in the compounds and thus, the reopening brings a glimmer of hope for a “minor” sport.
The reopening of OYDC however, should not be received by over excitement and various stakeholders shouldn’t become overzealous. This is the time to adequately prepare for sports in the “new normal.”
Sports federations must put everything in place to prevent the centre from being a hunting ground for Covid-19. Strict guidelines must be put in place to ensure that everyone adheres to them.
Testing kits must be acquired and everyone who participates in the various sports must be declared free from the deadly virus. The staff at OYDC and all stakeholders must be tested regularly to make sure that there is no outbreak.
The opening of the OYDC is a welcome move and will surely help in the development of sports in the post-Covid era. Let all stakeholders not be overzealous but make comprehensively rational decisions. Let’s continue talking via chailegrace21@gmail.com.