GSC ensures voice of sport is heard

The last few weeks have proved tough for sport with all major global events cancelled or postponed, national leagues curtailed, and local activities abandoned.

The shockwaves from the Covid-19 lockdown are set to continue long after the world returns to some sort of normality.

The Guernsey sports community is not immune to the impact of this global pandemic and its probable long-term consequences. But the Guernsey Sports Commission is determined to rise to the task and ensure the voice of sport is heard loud and clear by those in government trying to mitigate the financial loses that will inevitably result from the Coronavirus outbreak.

‘I have been working on a Social and Economic Impact document to share with the States of Guernsey to highlight how the Sport and Physical Activity sector is coping with the Covid-19 outbreak,’ said Steve Sharman, Relationship Manager for the Sports Commission.

‘I have been speaking to individual organisations and clubs to offer support and guidance in dealing with the inevitable loss of revenue caused by the lockdown and cancellation of local and national sporting fixtures and events.

‘I have been extremely grateful for all the information our sports organisations have shared with me which will help us paint as full a picture as possible of the difficulties being faced.

‘Now I have gathered all this evidence it has helped to identify the most pressing issues and allowed the Commission to prioritise possible solutions in line with the States of Guernsey guidance,’ said Steve.

‘We are clear that our priority is to protect jobs within the sector and the organisations and clubs themselves. Whilst operating in the present, we also need to be mindful of having an exit strategy for when this pandemic lockdown is over, and we can kickstart the return to a better Guernsey lifestyle. This includes ensuring outdoor facilities are ready to use so that clubs and sports are able to start again immediately when the necessary restrictions are lifted.’

The Social and Economic Impact document continues to be updated and has been shared with the Committee for Education Sport & Culture for their comment and support. Any clubs or sports who haven’t yet spoken to Steve are encouraged to contact him on 07960 148377 to ensure that any difficulties they are experiencing are noted and understood.

#GuernseyTogether