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How can professional athletes weather the COVID-19 crisis?
This year was supposed to be one of the biggest sports years for Kenya and East Africa, with athletes from the region set to participate in highly anticipated events like, the Magical Kenya Open, the Basketball Africa League, the African Championship of Nations and the Olympics. With all these sporting events and more being cancelled and postponed; and with gym closures and limited access to coaches leading to no place to train; where does that leave professional athletes and elite hopefuls as the world battles the Covid-19 pandemic? Sports Analyst, Sharon Allela joins CNBC Africa for more.
Tue, 26 May 2020 14:56:24 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Professional athletes forced to adapt to new training routines and methods due to gym closures and limited access to coaches
- Economic impact of the pandemic has left athletes struggling financially and reliant on government support
- Disruption of sponsorships in the sports industry due to the absence of live sports and limited fan engagement
In what was slated to be a standout year for sports in Kenya and East Africa, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the sporting world into disarray. Major events such as the Magical Kenya Open, the Basketball Africa League, the African Championship of Nations, and the Olympics have been either cancelled or postponed, leaving professional athletes and elite hopefuls in a state of uncertainty and challenge. With gym closures and limited access to coaches, athletes have been forced to adapt to new training routines and methods amidst the social distancing regulations.
The economic impact of the pandemic on these athletes has been substantial, with many relying heavily on races and competitions for their income. The lack of live sports has disrupted the sporting calendar and left athletes looking towards the government for support. However, the absence of a solid financial foundation in most sports organizations has meant that athletes are facing financial hardship and struggling to make ends meet.
Sponsorships, which are crucial for the sustainability and growth of various sporting disciplines, have also taken a hit. Without live sports, corporate sponsors are seeing a decline in engagement and marketing value, leading to a decrease in sponsorship investments. The resumption of live sports may bring some relief, but challenges remain as social distancing rules limit fan engagement and sponsorship opportunities.
In Kenya, the controversial decision to end the football season prematurely has sparked outrage among clubs, with some taking legal action to contest the decision. The lack of consultation and consideration for the clubs’ standings and efforts to reach the Premier League has further exacerbated the situation, highlighting the need for careful decision-making in these unprecedented times.
The road ahead for professional athletes in Kenya and East Africa remains uncertain, with challenges both on and off the field. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, athletes are forced to navigate through financial hardships, training limitations, and uncertainty in the sporting industry. It will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders to support and uplift the athletic community during these trying times.
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