The holding pattern the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association is in looks to remain in effect for the duration, and it should.
Whether we like it or not, change in this COVID-19 world is an inevitability.
By accident or design, the world continues to undergo a painful remodeling at the hands of this virus.
The sports world on every level is a microcosm of societal changes, as sports, entertainment and the political sphere that governs it all continues to become more intertwined daily.
No longer are sports a safe place to bury one’s emotions and live vicariously through our high-flying heroes.
The games must have a deeper meaning.
Back to the HHSAA. The organization should get some kudos for waiting to see how this pandemic is playing out.
Eventually, our teams will continue to prepare for the fall and sports will be back, most likely without fans.
Nebraska is one place that is trying football with fans, as they had their first event with nearly 2,500 fans attending a Shrine Bowl.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is hoping for the best, that people will remain vigilant. This simply isn’t reality.
People are creatures of patterns, and even though we live in what is referenced to as “the new standard,” it’s a natural inclination to revert to old habits.
Judging from the pictures in the stands of the Shrine Bowl, most people have forgotten COVID-19 is here.
With trans-Pacific travel a hot topic locally, we can learn from the mainland’s mistakes regarding high-school sports.
We need to remember every gym. The athletic facilities have different types of ventilation, one of the contributing factors to the spread of the virus, according to a recent article published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
“By their very nature, gyms that operate in closed spaces with poor ventilation and without physical distancing can be breeding grounds for all kinds of infections, including the coronavirus,” said state Department of Health State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.
“It is imperative that all gyms follow the safe practices required by state and county governments. These include proper physical distancing in workout areas and group classes, wearing of masks at all times, and consistent and thorough disinfection of equipment and all surfaces,” she said.
Based on Park’s statements, it will be a logistical nightmare to host high-school games with fans, unless you all have them sign waivers.
The HHSAA, unlike a lot of their mainland counterparts, has done the right thing by waiting to see how this all plays out.
The decision we make regarding inter-island travel will most likely impact HHSAA-sanctioned events moving forward.
Let’s hope they make the right one and value our safety over the sports’ bottom lines.
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Jason Blasco, sports reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
Sports and the virus. As to a concept on the virulent a Virus, all approaches are after the fact, not a single word is mentioned about prevention.
Deos that mean the people in charge have no idea how to prevent this microbe from robbing our lives and economy.
We need leaders who can understand that you don’t “fight” the virus at a societal level , but must do so on the individual level.
The strength of the health of an individual, is what determines who will have no symptoms, or mild symptoms, or need only bedrest, or already who is suffering from end of life diseases and slowly dying on their end of life prescription drugs.
As a society we need to concentrate on the individuals health instead of leaving individual health up to drug doctors.
No one is sick because they do not have enough drugs, get over that pill for en very ill concept, it’s worn out time has come and it no longer is optimal or needed for health.
Health is in the strength of the individual and that is what society must push for.
The SUN provides health to all living things. The sun is outdoors.
WATER, water pure and void of All toxic chemicals (not currently served by our water department.) is more important to be drank than used to washing your hands, though washing ones hands is hygienic.
AIR, fresh and full of oxygen, a vital nutrient, is to be breathed not conditioned, it is outdoors.
REST, a vital necessity for the internal functions of the body as well as wellness and automatic healing along with cellular Regeneration and Rejuvenating Providing an important part of optimal healthy life longevity. Best enjoyed with peace and solitude.
EXERCISE, best done outdoors to potentize Exercise with Sun and Fresh Air. Exercise makes a positive impact on every human function. It benefits all things human, from mental and physical, to strength and tone, stamina, vascular, toxic excretion, and countless other good human stuff.
Sun Water Air Rest Exercise, 5 of the many Cardinal Entities for Health. Their acronym spells SWARE, so be sure to SWARE every day for your health and encourage others too.
SWARE increases the internal strength of the body and mind, it is an important part in revisiting disease including unhealthy viruses and bacteria. Some viruses and bacteria are good for the body. The body is geometrically provided to recognize the good from the bad viruses and bacteria, and also what is Nutritious and what is Non-Nutritious. Beware and be aware of what you eat. Food either adds or subtracts internal strength to or from the body.
SPORTS is all about SWARE !
From February to June 17 there were approximately 151 deaths in age groups 1-24 in THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES…that means if you are 1-24 years of age you have a better chance of dying from a selfie than covid 19. Shutting schools or athletics down or revised schedules will produce a group of kids that are behind in classes and the isolation alone will cause a rise in mental illness and suicide. Time for us to use actual numbers and real science and stop listening to people who think knowing about covid 19 for 7 months makes them an “expert”…the REAL COVIDIOTS are the ones who trade our freedoms and our children’s future to look good politically.