By Nelson Dacier, author of The March to Madness
The term “Sports” can be defined as an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others according to a specific set of guidelines or rules. In addition, some commonplace synonyms for the word “Sports” include amusement, diversion, frolic, pleasure and recreation. It is in this fundamental form, rather than the former, that I will be discussing.
The world was shaken several months ago by the Covid-19 crisis, and initially, it was quite difficult to grasp the widespread impact that the virus would have on all our lives. My first thought went to the safety and security of my family and friends and what the correct course of action would be to protect those closest to me. Then, during a phone call with my twenty-year-old son, who is currently attending a prestigious West Coast university, he said eight words that would alter my world forevermore, “What are we going to do without sports?”
It had never occurred to me that I would live an extended era of my existence sans sports. Sure, there had been spans and stretches when strikes subverted seasons or incidents of inclement weather deferred and delayed performances for some brief period of time, but nothing had ever eradicated all events and shut down all sports, both professional and amateur, across the globe. I felt as if I had lost an intrinsic part of my essence.
Previously, on plenty of occasions, I would find myself sitting and channel surfing for something worthwhile to watch on TV, and, lo and behold, when all else failed, there was always a game to gaze upon. It was my father who invariably advocated for the action and uncertainty of any given sporting event over the predictable and typical inane sitcom, soap opera or dramatic series. “I never know the ultimate outcome of a sporting contest in advance,” he barked, continuing, “but I can surely submit the scenario of any given popular program that is presently on the air.” Thankfully, the reappearance of sports is on the horizon.
Oh how I long for the camaraderie of crashing on the couch with my cohorts as we relish the comeback of competitive contests. Whether it is the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB or even perhaps the PGA, ATP or collegiate challenges, I can assure you that hordes of fans will once again be reminiscing in their resourceful recliners. You may ask, “Why are sports so intertwined with today’s society as a whole?” Perhaps it is the hope, promise, and escape that sports allow us to achieve, if only for a few fleeting hours a day or a week. And while most of us are athletic supporters rather than actual athletes, the feeling of community, the sense of association, and the authentic bonding with our brethren will once again be proud and prevalent.
We lost several significant happenings over the many past months including my personal favorite the NCAA Men’s Collegiate Basketball Tournament, more affectionately known as “March Madness” or “The Big Dance.” There was no madness in March. Nor were there any decisive dances or celebratory ceremonies. The arenas were empty, the stadiums were silent and our hearts were left hungry and hankering for seasons more satisfying.
And now the debate rages on regarding how, when, and where a return to regulation will occur. But does it really matter? I think not. What truly matters in the long run is that the games regenerate, that hope once again springs eternal, and that we can all get back to our cozy confines and the cheers of competition.
LONG LIVE SPORTS!!!
See NBA schedule: https://www.nba.com/article/2020/06/26/nba-schedule-release-2019-20-season-comeback-official
MLB 2020 line up:
https://www.mlb.com/news/projecting-every-mlb-lineup-rotation
Check out Nelson’s book, The Mark to Madness, ISBN 978-1-64531-84-5, on Amazon.
