2021 Triathlon Cup passes Covid-19 test

01 Oct, 2021 - 00:10 0 Views
2021 Triathlon Cup passes Covid-19 test The 2024 edition of the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup will be held next weekend

The ManicaPost

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter

THE return of the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga last weekend came with a different ambiance, thanks to strict Covid-19 precautionary measures that were in themselves a valuable lesson to other sporting genres.

At a time when other sporting codes such as football are bridled with incapacity to adhere to Covid-19 precautionary measures, the 2021 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup gave a reason to believe that sport can once again be played in a safe environment, only if protocols and ground rules are adhered to the latter.

The 2021 edition of the international multi-sport race that traditionally attracts participants from different parts of the globe, marked the return of the festival after it was put on ice together with other sporting codes due to lockdown measures implemented around the globe to curb the spread of the pandemic.

With a de-congestion approach which saw reduced numbers of technical partners such as media personnel and other service providers, the 2021 edition was a far cry from the euphoric scene that huge crowds usually created in previous contests.

Compulsory pre-event antigen testing upon arrival at Troutbeck Resort ensured the safety of athletes, sponsors and technical staff.

Sanitising of all attendees at various entry and turning points within the Troutbeck Resort Hotel – the venue and winning point for participants – came in handy in ensuring everyone’s safety.

The Covid-19 precautionary measures, however, did not rob the event of its trademark professional approach to protocol and organisation as course familiarisation a day before the event, registration uniform check, packet collection by race number order and media conference were all conducted within marked timeframes, while strictly maintaining social distance.

Professional management of busy pathways around Troutbeck Resort significantly minimised athletes and participants’ exposure to the virus.

Other protocols such as sanitising, masking up and social distancing were adhered to without coercion.
Sunday’s compulsory Covid-19 PCR testing for all visiting athletes and international visitors before departure was the closure of a professionally managed event that did all it could to minimise risk for athletes and officials.

Not even a single case was reported during and after the event.

Triathlon Zimbabwe president, Dave Ellis, was impressed with the management of the event under the Covid-19 environment.

“I should say it was fantastic to host this annual event for the first time under the Covid-19 environment. None of our athletes and officials tested positive.

“This was something new (the management of the Covid-19 pandemic), given that we did not have this pandemic in previous events. However, we managed to put in place robust management protocols that were duly adhered to. We had an elaborate plan in that area prior to the event.

“That actually makes up happy and we will certainly strengthen on a few lessons learnt. The presence of CIMAS at the event made the work a lot easier. The management of pathways and meeting places by our officials and security was fantastic. Generally, I can say we are extremely happy with the way we managed that area,” said the Triathlon Zimbabwe president.

 

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