Dear Pacesetters
I am communicating with you at
this really difficult period for our country and for the world, as we struggle
with the Covid19 pandemic. I have chosen this time to message you all as I
wanted the situation to stabilize somewhat, so that we all know where we are
and what we can and cannot do.
What is clear is that we have
to live with the “new normal”. However, we still do not know, at this point of
time, when we can go back and do what we did before the pandemic, if at all
possible.
As a club, the first thing we
had to do was to make a difficult decision on the Allianz Pacesetters 4x3km 2020
scheduled for November 2020. In early April there was a joint decision by both
parties to cancel this year’s event. The launching of the registration portal
was for 1st May. The main reason for cancelling the event was the
timing for the launch. It would have been a publicity nightmare for both
parties if we had launched during the Movement Control Order (even though at
the time the decision was made there was no MCO). The public would have
labelled us as “insensitive” or worse. We are fortunate that we have not made
any physical preparations for the event, and no costs has been incurred. In
hindsight, we made the right decision, though at that time some thought the
pandemic would be over by November. For me, it was the portal launch date and
how the public will view us that were the crucial factors that made me push for
the cancellation (I did not propose postponement at that time).
As for the Annual General Meeting
2020 scheduled for April, this was postponed because of the MCO. To date, there
are no plans for this as we have to wait for a decision from the Sports
Commissioner. I believe they, too, have not made a firm decision for all sports
organisations regarding this matter, as it would depend on the situation in the
country.
Even though one of the
conditions for the latest MCO with conditions, stipulate that joggers can run
alone on 4th May onwards, it is not possible for us to organize the
Sunday runs. It is difficult for us to control the group of runners, and all it
takes is one telephone call from a resident nearby and the runners and the club
will be in trouble with the authorities (note : wrong kind of publicity). So,
even this is not possible for the club to continue with for the time being.
We are in limbo right now and
we have to be patient and wait for more guidelines from the authorities on
sports and exercising before the club can start organizing any type of events
for members.
I believe that from a
scientific/health viewpoint, the world must have a vaccine and a cure before we
can even consider going back to the lifestyle we had before Covid19. This one
is different from the others (MERS, SARS, flu, etc) in that it is much more
dangerous for the senior citizens. We all have parents and/or children to
consider.
Stay safe and healthy, and I
hope to see you all in our breakfast runs or Sunday runs once this whole
episode is behind us.
Let Us Pace it Together.
Munning Jamaludin
President
Pacesetters Athletic Club
9th May 2020
