Like everything else right now, those plans have been turned upside down in the past few weeks.
We thought about delaying this launch. But then maybe an opportunity to talk about something else, could really be useful as we work together to get through this?
At the time of writing, some professional sports are continuing, although that is quickly changing. Indeed, after much confusion and as we were preparing this newsletter, the AFLW season was officially ended on Sunday, with no premiership awarded. The International Olympic Committee announced Monday that it will make a decision on whether to postpone the games within a few weeks, but the AOC also issued a statement saying Australian athletes “should prepare for a Tokyo Olympic Games in the northern summer of 2021.”
Amid all the uncertainty in the world right now, we really, really need something positive in our lives.
And sport, throughout history, has provided that outlet — a place to celebrate human endurance and brilliance, skills and team work. It’s a place where heroes and role models are made, and where women have excelled in bringing to life so much of the community spirit and atmosphere that exists behind both men’s and women’s sport.
So let’s keep celebrating women’s sport, and women working in sport, during this crisis.
Let’s be realistic about what’s going on — there will be little action in local, national and international arenas — but here at Women’s Agenda, we still want to highlight individual women doing great things in sport with Q&As and other pieces, and we know there are plenty of historic moments to celebrate. We’ll also continue to shine a light on the sports women are playing and leading on, even if it’s in their own backyards and living rooms during periods of self-isolation.
Each week, we’ll share a roundup from the world of women in sport, noting the latest Women’s Agenda stories, as well as other pieces of inspiration from around the web.
We are in this together. Let’s play.
Madeline Hislop
Editor, The STEM WRAP
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Sign up to our new weekly newsletter, The Sporty Wrap, here.
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Here’s an overview of the latest sporting stories from around the web.
AFLW ends without a premier as pandemic forces shutdown. The 2020 AFLW season has been cancelled midway through the final series, with players left in limbo and no premiers crowned. The decision comes after new measures were introduced by state and federal governments to halt the spread of COVID-19. The competition ends after Carlton beat Brisbane Lions, taking the last of four places in the preliminary finals with the Blues to face North Melbourne and undefeated Fremantle to play Melbourne. The Age
Rapid rise of women’s sport at risk of being halted by Covid-19. As the pandemic hits sport all over the world and competitions cancel or make huge adjustments including playing matches without crowds, we must remain vigilant on the threat to women’s sport, especially as all codes take a massive financial hit. Madeleine Pape shares this excellent take. The Guardian
Amid coronavirus pandemic, IOC announces it’s considering postponing Tokyo Olympics. The International Olympic Committee has announced it is considering postponing the Tokyo Games, due to start July 24, and will finalise a decision within four weeks as COVID-19 continues to spread. ABC News
But Australia’s telling athletes to prepare for 2021. “Australian athletes should prepare for a Tokyo Olympic Games in the norther summer of 2021.” The AOC said in a statement.
Canada won’t send athletes to Olympics if they’re held in 2020. Canada won’t send athletes to the Olympics in Tokyo unless the Games are postponed by one year, the country’s Olympic committee announced Sunday night. CNN
WATCH! The sheer magic of this basketball team sinking 5 half courts shots in a row. Need to make your day a little brighter? This will make it happen. South Dakota State University’s Jackrabbits hit five half-court shots in a row, and thankfully it was all caught on video.
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