Looking back on 2020 it is remarkable to see and hear how athletes managed to maintain their fitness through lockdown and continue their preparation with nothing more than their love for sport, dreams in their minds, and hope in their hearts. Sport federations, sport clubs, coaches and athletes are still adapting to a constantly changing landscape and navigating the maze of regulations, restrictions, and uncertainty. Public health and safety entered the stadium on a whole new level, contending with the freedom of athletes to prepare and participate in sport activities and events.
The strict rules and regulations imposed on the sport industry demands adaptation, innovation, and compliance. The presentation and format of sport activities and events are being revised and reinvented, but new health and safety protocols might also be an important ally to add an additional layer of protection for athletes in an area that was perhaps neglected in the past. Under strict rules, regulations and the watchful eyes of authorities we still managed to accomplish an extraordinary, yet humble return to sport in our community during the final quarter of 2020: The weekly time trials held on Wednesdays by Parys Multisport was adapted to become a weekly training session exclusively for Parys Multisport Club members. ‘
The club’s new online membership application, results, and compliance testing system proved to be an improvement on service delivery to club members, and members can even log their own results (unofficial) for their various athletics activities (originally designed to be a virtual time trial feature for club members during lockdown). The hard work paid off and we saw athletes delightfully taking to the road again on Wednesday afternoons at Cilliers Park in Parys. The Sunday morning “myrun” at the Parys Golf & Country Estate introduced new time-keeping technology that enables a contactless staggered start. No crowding, no contact, and strict safety protocols make myrun one of the safest health activities available at present. Parys myrun even hosted their 2-year birthday celebration run on 06 December 2020. Endurance runners from Parys Multisport were presented with club training sessions in November and December as part of their 2021 season preparation. The 21,1km and 32km distances also incorporated 5km and 10km distances to accommodate members who are preparing for the 2021 middle- and long distances track and road running events. These runs served as training sessions and, although it were not official races, the athletes’ results were recognised to compete for a top-10 position in the club rankings.
It is still a while before the Cross Country Running season begins, but XC runners were spoiled with a Cross Country running workshop presented at Koedoeslaagte in October this year. Athletes had the opportunity to learn new skills from coach Wilfred Sebotsa (fitness) and coach Pierre Fourie (technical), and also learn about the benefits and rewards of living an active lifestyle from Lisa De Speville. The track and field season starts again in January 2021 and athletes from all ages and walks of life are signing up with registered athletics clubs for an opportunity to compete at the few sanctioned events available to them. Athletics Central North West (ACNW) hosted a 6 part open athletics league in Potchefstroom with many athletes from Parys representing their respective clubs; many of them stepping onto the cork again for the first time since lockdown began.
Peter Mutubi, Kyle Ras and Jason Bowsers
Clubs, coaches, and governing bodies are working hard to keep athletes safe, motivated and prepared for races, events and activities as they become available. Skills workshops, zoom meetings, exclusive training sessions, virtual runs, and restricted events are setting new trends. Almost everything about athletics is being reinvented and tested, but athletes continue to train and prepare for the 2021 season with great anticipation. The fact that we remain an active sport community is testimony of the fighting spirit that forms part of every athlete’s DNA. Email: info@parysmultisport.co.za Website: www.parysmultisport.co.za
