The sporting world has faced its first massive test in decades since World War 2 with the outbreak of Covid-19 this past year. 2021 provides a new dawn for the South African sporting landscape under the current COVID-19 regulations. Athletes have already experienced playing sport without spectators, adhering to sanitization protocols and preparing for matches in secure bio-bubbles.
It will be interestingly to see how sport, especially locally in Potchefstroom, will take place in the New Year. One of the upcoming events in Potchefstroom will be the ITF Word Tour tournaments at the NWU Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds. Unfortunately no spectators will be allowed at the event, but it will be a good test to see if Potchefstroom can continue hosting successful events under Covid-19 regulations.
Athletics Central North West showcased that sporting events can be held successfully in Potch with athletes of various ages competing in open events for five straight weeks.
Top SA athletes such as Olympic gold medalist, Wayde van Niekerk and Comrades winner, Gerda Steyn, competed in Potch. One aspect that will be under the spotlight will be school sport and how athletes will be able to compete in the coming year.
Kids missed out in various sporting events in 2020 and it will be sad to see if the non-sporting trend at schools continue in 2021. Regulation of spectators will also be quite difficult at school sporting events as a number of kids will need transport to different venues and would obviously enjoy the support of friends and family at these events.
One option would be to host sporting matches at one Covid-19 approved location for an entire weekend (such as rugby, netball, hockey) to avoid constant travelling.
Whatever happens, it would be harsh and sad for another group of kids to miss out on an entire sporting year, especially now that it has been proven that sport can continue in these difficult times.
Pooling of resources and teamwork at a school and governmental level will go a long way in providing sporting opportunities amidst the pandemic.
