On the TunneySide of Sports July 27, 2020 #807 Up next… Let ’em play!
After further review… High school and college football seasons are being delayed until later in the fall or some delayed until the spring of 2021 – if then. Depending on the current Covid-19 Pandemic, what can we really expect? While we work through –and it does take work (effort!)– let’s not lose sight of our ability to solve whatever problems may come our way. It also takes a belief in one’s self and plans for better times ahead. Have faith, not fear!
For at least half of my life, the month of August was a time I looked forward to going back to school either as a student or teacher/coach/administrator. I was always happy to go to school, but sorry my summer vacation was ending. Today’s students want to go to school, if for no other reason than that’s where their friends are. In this 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic year kids have been sheltered-in-place at home with limited access to the outside world.
For the balance of 2020, schools will look much different: desks 6’ apart – mask on every face – no or limited physical contact. That’s not the school you and I attended. Instead of the 2020 school year starting in August or September, some are starting later depending on their current COVID-19 conditions. Some districts will stagger the week by having students in school two days and distance learning at home for three days. A variety of that process will be explored.
While much attention is given to academics through distance learning at home, not much attention has been thought about the physical well being of each young person. I have always believed in “Mens sana in corpore sano,” a Latin phrase translated to mean “a healthy mind in a healthy body.” This expresses the theory that physical exercise is an important or essential part of mental and psychological well-being.
How about this: while distance learning is taking place, open the school grounds e.g., football and baseball fields, track and field areas, outdoor basketball courts, swimming pools and the like so that our youth can run, play or swim on their own. Of course, a playground director or physical educator and/or lifeguard must be there to oversee the facility and equipment in use. No instruction is to take place, but social distancing and face masks must be enforced.
Will you agree that this method of allowing physical exercise is valuable?
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To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
Jim’s Bobblehead and books are available at Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c3).
