“Look for the Helpers”

“Look for the Helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” -Mr. Rogers

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As many Americans sit at home thinking of ways to pass the time during the COVID-19 quarantine, the brutal reminder that there are no sports on comes with every click of the TV remote. As we think through the months of March, April, and May, we know that March Madness would be in full swing, the NBA Playoffs start at the end of April, MLB just starting up, the NHL was creeping up on it’s Playoff Season, and it hurts to see all of these fans and players without a major part of their lives and their income. Not only are fans losing entertainment and players losing the opportunity to play and people losing their jobs, the revenue that is being lost is unreal. The New York Times released an article sorting through the financial losses of each organization. According to WUSA, the NCAA is losing $933 million on the cancellation of March Madness alone, not including other winter and spring sport cancellations. But that is not stopping the helpers.

But, regardless of the losses, the most encouraging thing to come from this unprecedented time is the response from the athletes and the organizations. After adding up the donations made by the athletes, according to CBS Sports, $11,150,000 has been pledged to different groups and charities by players, teams, and franchises along with compensation for the workers in their stadiums or arenas. Across every organization there have been generous people helping those who need it most. One example is rookie, Zion Williamson. Williamson pledged to compensate the workers at Smoothie King Arena for a month.

Even though sporting events are cancelled, the impact of sport continues on America. Sport goes far beyond the playing field or court and connects us even when we cannot gather together physically. The sports community is using its platform to make a difference in the lives of those around them. You don’t have to look far in the sports community to find the helpers.