Over the last month and a half, Uganda has been and is coming to grips with the corona virus (COVID-19) global pandemic. John Hopkins University reveals that we as of April 5th 2020, had over 1,252,265 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 68,148 deaths and rapidly climbing. The pandemic is wreaking havoc and the sports sector has not been spared. This article will explore the impact of COVID -19 on sports at both the national, regional and international level and ask is COVID winning this war or will sports prevail?
At the national level, following announced government guidelines, all sports activities were halted in mid-march in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. National sporting leagues and events across the broad sports spectrum ceased and National Sports Association/Federations put a hold on activities as did primary and secondary schools. In addition all public gyms and sporting facilities are closed as well.
In Africa, the African Nations Championship 2020 soccer tournament scheduled for April in Cameroon has been postponed indefinitely, the African Football Federation said in a statement on March 17. In addition the Africa Swimming Championships due in Durban South Africa has been put off to a date to be announced by the African Swimming Federation (CANA). Several other regional sporting events have suffered the same fate.
At the international level COVID-19 caused the postponement of the major sporting event this year, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Olympics will now take place from July 23 to August 8 2021 in Tokyo. The health and best interest of the athletes was a central driving consideration in the postponement decision. In addition several major sporting events like the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and some Formula 1 races have also been stopped. All key football leagues like the Barclays Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and others have been put on hold but will be back no doubt. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Football League (NFL) are also on hold for now. The full economic ramification of these disruptions is yet to be fully understood but it is clear that the fall out is major. But sports will surely rebound. Some athletes have also been afflicted with COVID-19 globally and we wish them a full and quick recovery.
Some of the government measures announced to halt the spread of COVID-19 include staying at home until 14 April 2020, social distancing and a night curfew. A number of individuals have taken to exercising by walking and jogging along some public roads and highways in large groups particularly the northern bypass, Ntinda, Kyanja , Kisaasi , Kiira , Muyenga, Munyonyo and surrounding areas. It is vital that people exercise in a responsible manner and comply with the social distancing guidelines. It is absolutely paramount that we all comply and play our part in flattening the curve of infections of COVID-19. Reckless and careless behavior should be avoided at all costs. Soon the pandemic will end and we can return to our routine sporting activities.
The disruption caused by COVID-19 has highlighted the need for having a sports emergency response plan in place. There is need to have a social and economic safety net for athletes who are affected by emergencies as that occasioned by COVID-19. This is a discussion that must start and be taken forward in the post COVID-19 period. For example we have 17 athletes who have qualified for the Olympics’ who were preparing and training for the games. How can they be supported in times like this?
While COVID-19 may seem to take round one against sports, it is clear that sports will bounce back strongly and win this battle in the next rounds, quarter, half or game. It is important we all play our part in first winning the war against COVID -19 and in the next rounds sports will surely win by several points. Sports will win no doubt. Together we shall overcome and lets stay safe.
Dr. Donald Rukare is CANA Vice President, FINA Bureau Member, Chairman of the National Council of Sports and Secretary General of Uganda Olympic, a human rights expert and Chief of Party at Freedom House Uganda. drukare@freedomhouse.org.
