Sports and the Environment

Like many other facets of our sports, the aspect of the synergy between the disciplines and the environment has not received much attention.{{more}}

Yes, over time, the various sporting facilities, mainly their amenities, have been improved, but little focus has been placed on the aesthetics and other vital components in improving the overall impact.

For many years, persons using the Arnos Vale Two Playing Field have had to compete with a stench emanating from what appears to be a pig sty.

This situation has been left unattended for many years, with little or nothing being done.

This is more than a sporting issue, but a health hazard meted out to our sportsmen and women, for which the relevant authority seems oblivious.

The whiff of the filth blasts into one’s nostrils whenever one comes close to the area, and adds to the discomfort of the users of the playing field, who are utilizing their lungs in their various activities.

The Stubbs Playing Field is home to a similar happening. However, it is not as pronounced as that at Arnos Vale.

The two concerns are microcosms of a wider societal problem, as planning is not always in sync with other developments, so as to lessen the impact of one on the other.

Whilst understanding some of the intricacies involved in the matters, it may be time that we take steps to minimize the chance of such occurrences in the future.

We in the 21st century should be moving to have all our sporting facilities being environmentally friendly.

Over the years, many of the playing fields across the state were the venues for the tethering of animals, and which posed, not only environmental problems, but in some instances caused minor injuries to users of the facilities, who sometimes tripped over on the stakes.

Today, this practice is not so prevalent, at least on the suburban playing fields.

But that is not where it stops. It is a common sight for men especially to be seen urinating on the playing fields, even during matches or when just taking a sweat.

This has become such a norm that there are few dissenting voices when such practices take place.

But this is against the reality that most of the playing facilities have restrooms which are available to users of such facilities.

Again, part of a larger social effect, we are seemingly losing our values in self respect.

It is appalling to see our women folk choosing to change into their sporting gear, in the full view of others, with change rooms just within the reach.

Similarly our sportsmen and women sometimes show little care for the implements they use, as leaving them simply lying on the fields after their engagements is becoming another of the eye sores.

At the Grammar School Playing Field, it is common to meet the small goals, mainly made of steel, being left idly by, which in turn form contraptions for youngsters, but an exposure to things which can be injurious to their physical health.

Additionally, many of the users of the playing facilities take pride in throwing their thrash wantonly, disregarding the aesthetics and general need for cleanliness of one’s surroundings.

The move some time ago by the National Olympic Committee, through its Sports and the Environment initiative to plant ornamental and shade trees at the main Arnos Vale venue is the way to go.

Maybe the authorities can look at the strip of land towards the Arnos Vale Playing Field, parallel to the airport’s runway and consider planting short trees which surely will add to the décor of the entire facility.

The National Tennis Centre at Villa is a good example where this practice is being encouraged.

The Calliaqua Playing Field with the presence of the almond trees, on the western side, whether done by accident or by design, not only provides shade there, but gives that touch to the layout.

This, though, must be encouraged at other venues, thus promoting sustainable development.

The move to get all sporting facilities to adopt best environmental practices is not simple, but must follow a legislative and structured approach, as everyone involved must buy into the idea.

Not enhancing the environment in any way is the presence of that Mound at the Sion Hill Playing Field.