Boksburg sporting arena talks 2020

The year 2020 will forever live in our memories for obvious reasons, with the world literally turned on its head by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Advertiser asked a number Boksburg sports personalities what the lockdown has taught them and how they will be spending their end-of-year holidays.

JJ Brits (bodybuilder)
It’s (lockdown) that taught me that we really need to plan ahead because everything can change in no time. This year I’m spending time locally.

Ernest Seforo (soccer coach)
This year taught me that everyone needs to save money and not to focus on one source of income. Also, one needs to keep focused in life and try to live a healthy life: exercise is very important to be able to control all chronic diseases.

As many have lost their loved ones, their jobs and even home owners losing their houses, we have all learned lessons.

The education system was negatively and seriously affected with some learners having to change their schools due to parent job loss. I will be locally based during the holidays as I will be working.

I wish everyone a good and safe life. Follow all Covid-19 protocol and regulations; the virus is not over yet. We are responsible for our own lives and beloved ones. All those will be on the road remember safety first for speed kills.

Kian Keylock (swimmer)
Lockdown has definitely taught me not to take things for granted, like the small things – even in swimming. I’m keeping myself in a bubble through the holidays and continuing to train hard.

Tanya Roskilly (fitness model)
2020 in one word: exhausting! As most of us love to spend time doing the things we love, I love spending my time between the sweat and iron. For months we could not train. Home training was the best we could do and that just did not suffice.

The adrenalin, the satisfaction, the desire… even the motivation took a knock. I for one started prepping late last year to take to the stage again early 2020. That did not happen. I guess I have once again realised life is short indeed.

There are certain people that we need in our lives, their love and support. We tend to lose sight of that.

I started slacking with my diets and nutrition and together with all of the stress and worries that went with lockdown, it started to feel like a meltdown.

Personally I took way to much knocks during these last few months and I believe many if not most of our lives were completely re-arranged. But I believe I am where I have to be.

I am where God intended me to be, and I am grateful for the support and love of amazing friendships that were formed during this time. So what are my plans for the holidays? Get some quality rest while getting back into routine, back into shape but most of all back to the grind!

Tomorrow is never guaranteed in any event. So do what you can while you can. Do what you love and love it even more. Always get back up.

Adam Forbes (cricketer)
The year has taught me not to take things for granted. Friendships, sports, family, everything because you don’t know if you’ll get the chance to see them or do those things again.

When it comes to sport, not playing has shown me how much I appreciate it and how much I enjoy it and when I get the chance to be out there again, I must take full advantage of it.

I’m going away for a two-week holiday and the rest will be at home preparing for the new season.

Benzi Tenza (athletics mentor)

This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down and changed not just the way we live and work, but also how we think and behave. Every part of the world has been affected, and every aspect of life has been impacted.

Our everyday routines were brought to a halt, and any sense of normalcy was lost. While we stop and look at the world around us, I cannot help but realize what I used to take for granted.

If anything, perhaps there are some life lessons to take away from this pandemic. As a sports fanatic and a family man, Covid-19 has taught me to improvise and make the best out of the little that I have.

During lockdown level five, l had to run around my house eight times just to cover 1km, therefore 36 times to cover around 5km. Due to lockdown, I was able to spend time together with my family and strengthen my family relationship.

Lockdown restrictions have afforded many of us a lot more spare time, and the best thing we can do with this is invest it in our well-being. Meditation, online courses, mindfulness and self-reflection are all fantastic and worthy practices. We are all moving through a tough situation where we are not able to live like our expectations. But let’s move on. l’ll spend quality time with my family. A holiday is a time for me to rest and recharge.

Casey Arnold (cricketer)
Appreciate what you have, things can change quickly: can you adapt? As things change quickly, we need to be versatile and adaptable; and what you think is important is not necessarily important. I’m going to relax at home and maybe do some travelling.

Also Read: Make 2020 your year

Also Read: With 2020 being such a challenging year, what has been your silver lining?