Safe Sports: Keep Sane, Active, Socially Distant with these Pastimes

Last updated on October 28, 2020

By Thandisizwe Chimurenga

KEEP SANE WITH SPORTS. — Artwork produced by Beatriche Alcala for the L.A. Collegian.

(HOLLYWOOD, Calif.) — Fresh air, the great outdoors, and exercise all play a part in good health, even amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A quick look at the LACC website shows no activities or events at any of the nine campuses this fall. Even with no sports, no one should become an armchair athlete or sacrifice one’s health by foregoing exercise.

Still, while playing sports during the pandemic, maintain a social distance. COVID-19 survivors report long-term damage to various organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the Mayo Clinic, and Science Magazine. These organizations agree avoiding the virus is better than recovering from it.

Sometimes a ‘cure is worse than the disease,’ so make sure to avoid infection while playing with others. Social distancing is the key to protecting oneself from the coronavirus.

The CDC says to keep gatherings to 10 people or less and maintain at least six feet of space to cut down on its transmission.

While the practice of social distancing may secure our physical vitality, it may take a toll on our emotional and mental health.

People are social by nature, even during quarantine, so follow the college’s recommendation for socializing.

“There will be no gatherings of more than two (2) people and those people are expected to exercise social distancing of at least six (6) feet apart,” the LACC website says.

Consider these convenient activities to unwind after a long day indoors. Remember to wear a mask and enjoy

However, faculty and staff advisories dated to August do not address the question of sports.

Avoid the dugout stuff. Dodge the collective celebrating and beating-up/defending-teammates’ part of the great American pastime.

Ping Pong
Baseball
Softball
Tennis

Try not to jump over the net to shake an opponent’s hand. Professions use the new etiquette of tapping rackets.

Archery

Local archery clubs offer a socially distant, yet exciting upper-body workout. Travel may be required. The closest archer’s range to LACC is Rancho Park Archery Range in Cheviot Hills.