Swine Flu and Sports

Mexican medical and government officials are telling people to avoid congregating in any areas , from restaurants (most are only doing take out) to sports fields across Mexico. Soccer tournaments all over that country are canceling games, and currently soccer's governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean regions are evaluating what to do next.

Many of these tournaments are for young people. The remainder of the under-17 championship in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is done..for now. The decision leaves many teens, trying to further their athletic careers, on hold. I feel for them. I played for Puerto Rico throughout my high school and college years and the summer was the perfect time to hone my skills (which eventually led to a scholarship). I traveled to so many different cities, meeting people from various backgrounds, and I truly feel this helped me develop into an open minded individual. I also believe sports is a unifier when times are bad and to not have that option is upsetting.

I am not demeaning the more significant consequences of swine flu. My heart goes out to the hundreds who have succumbed to the disease and their families. Let's hope swine flu can be contained and then wiped out so we can get back to "playing ball" and living without THAT fear.