This has been an incredibly difficult time for the sporting community, there are no disputes to that. In March, we went from the full flow of our season, the grandstand finale to a phenomenal year approaching, and had it all stripped away at a moment’s notice.
It has been awe-inspiring to see the collectivism and initiative sport has shown, particularly at Sheffield, during our time in lockdown. We didn’t sit back and rest, waiting for the call back to training. We assessed what we could do. We took the setback and adapted, in classic Sheffield fashion.
Whether it was five-kilometre run nominations, handstand challenges or virtual training sessions – the world stopped, but sport didn’t. Sport was determined to continue.
The situation now is very different. We have international sport back on TV screens, some amateur level sport restarting and an Olympic Games to which we can look forward. Across the board, we are working hard to negotiate a safe, correct return to play.
To me, it is important that we are completely transparent with you during this period, so that you can plan your sporting endeavours and so that clubs can plan their offer for the year. Here is where we are at currently, with certainty:
- BUCS competition will be operating with a ‘protected season’ of sport, with no promotion or relegation, running from January-March
- Varsity, as a result, will have to take place in some form after our Easter vacation
- Goodwin will be reopening its gym, swimming pool and some fitness classes in August, adhering to government guidelines and social distancing procedure
- Sports fair will take place virtually, with the possibility of a physical element dependent on government restrictions being lifted
There are of course many unknowns still, and we’ll be keeping students up to date with all the latest news and developments as they’re confirmed.
Stay safe and well. I can’t wait to see you back on the field of play.
Matt Graves
SU Sports Officer
