ALTHOUGH we now have our road map out of lockdown, it is still a worrying time for many national governing bodies in sport as they put together their strategy and work hard to bring sport back to the masses.
It is still pretty uncertain what the second half of 2020 will bring to sports organisations, particularly those sports that don’t have a high level of funding held in reserve, but I know they will all be anxious to get their own particular shows on the road.
In order for them to stage their events, NGBs will need to ensure everyone – including athletes, coaches, officials and spectators – is in a controlled environment and that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety, something that will come at a cost.
Couple this with the fact they will, in most circumstances, need to limit spectator numbers to comply with social distancing requirements – which by all accounts may be with us for some length of time – and you can begin to understand what a headache those in charge face.
While the powers that be are working hard in the background to ensure sport is safe for all, many of the athletes have been finding innovative ways to train. Zoey Clark, the 400 metres sprinter, has posted many inspirational videos showing us how she has continued to work out in her garden to keep the power in her legs.
READ MORE: The opportunity to play sport is getting closer as lockdown is eased
Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg, who is partially sighted, explained during a recent interview on TV that she can no longer run with her guide due to social distancing, but has to take shouted instructions from him from the sidelines.
Libby is an inspirational young woman who has determination in her bones. Most recently known for her stint on the TV programme Dancing on Ice, she has overcome many difficulties and at every turn, done it all with a smile on her face, which is no mean feat in these uncertain times.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here