Duwa Na Ta? Play ball?

Duwa Na Ta? Play Ball?

Duwa na ta! This is a common sentiment among sports lovers (this bleacher bum included) who have missed shooting the ball, kicking the footbball, serving-setting-spiking, swimming in a pool or simply walking, jogging or running. Moreover, athletic teams are raring to roar back into action, recalling that this period would’ve featured some of the biggest leagues/competitions such as the CVIRAA, NBTC National Finals, Aboitizland Football Cup finals and Palarong Pambansa. We also have the big leagues placed on hold: PBA, NBA, UAAP, NCAA and all professional leagues all over the world. The summer is also supposed to feature the now cancelled hundreds of sports clinics, something that will be absent for the first time as far as I can remember. But we know that all these aren’t possible at all today. Instead, teams and individuals are getting to be creative staying in shape by working out on their own rather than playing or practicing with teammates or friends.

As a sports lover who manages tournaments and sports programs, I would love to see sports go back to its normal ways. But we don’t find ourselves in normal times. The only way to bring sports events back on line is if there is a 100% guarantee that everyone is safe from COVID-19: athletes, officials, parents, spectators, vendors, drivers, yayas, guards, custodians and everyone else involved in sports. I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Without a vaccine or wonder drug against COVID-19, we are not safe out there. And the same is true for any public or mass gathering whether this be for classes, masses, or the normal things that we once practiced. The key here is to face the facts and accept these. I can’t believe that some are still in the denial stage even if the news, social media and regular talk are all about the number of deaths and COVID-19 cases recorded on a daily basis. Some are even talking about lifting the current restrictions/quarantine, albeit in a selective way. Some are saying that a simple disinfection will do the trick. Wow! I would still take the science path over politics or business pressure on whether or not we can get back to the old ways, even if selective and downsized.

San Miguel CEO Ramon Ang said it in a very simple way. In an interview with Rico Hizon of CNN Philippines that we had the chance to watch, Ang said that he prefers life over money in this decision-making process. He added that the company can make money later but cannot regain a life once it’s lost. Simple and plain common sense ra gyud, di ba? But what happened last week? Carbon was packed as if COVID-19 was a non-issue. More cars are on the road since Easter Sunday, probably thinking that the quarantine was only until holy week?

One of the most recognized faces in the global front today is Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the doctors leading the United States in its fight against COVID-19. When asked about whether the professional sports leagues can play games, he said this was possible, but certain conditions would have to be set. First, games would have to be played without fans. He then added to “put (athletes) in big hotels, wherever you want to play. Keep them very well-surveilled, but have them tested like every week and make sure they don't wind up infecting each other or their families and just let them play the season out." This is practically asking all teams to isolate themselves and limit their contact to the outside world. The chances of this set-up being successful depends on whether a league or team can actually do this: massive testing, quarantine and close monitoring for all team players, coaches and staff. With this is a guide, can we implement this in the Philippines? The answer is a big NO.

The World Health Organization lay down the following “must haves” if a government is to lift restrictions on quarantines. “1) Disease transmission is under control, 2) Health systems are able to ‘detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact,’ 3) Hot spot risks are minimized in vulnerable places, 4) Schools, workplaces and other essential places have established preventive measures, 5) The risk of importing new cases ‘can be managed,” and 6) Communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to live under a new normal.”

So what do we do? Again, we must accept the reality that things will never be the same again. We must accept that sports may take a back seat to bigger and more important concerns for a longer period of time. We continue to be creative and resourceful by working out at home and looking at alternative activities. But this isn’t only about sports. This covers all kinds of mass gatherings. For those who are not needed outside, please stay home. Give thanks for what you have and count your blessings. Pray for those who are infected with the virus. Pray for the souls of those who have died. Pray for the gallant and heroic frontliners and that the pandemic finally ends. You now have all the lost time to spend with your family. Reconnect and bond with them. Use technology to connect with relatives and friends. Read a new book. Check out online courses on things you’ve always wanted to take up to “sharpen the saw.” Let’s do our part for the nation to heal.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Duwa na ta? Ayaw intawn.

oOo

Will Barcelona play in an empty Camp Nou? Hmm. 

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