The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic laid bare the vulnerability of athletics programs and its
importance to society. This equal opportunity virus had no regard for countries, continents or borders. The
absence of a specific drug or vaccine, forced other ways to mitigate global spread, which had the
potential to overburden health systems. It was determined that mass gatherings; whether music, religious
or sport contributed to the spread of this infectious diseases.
Athletes encountered various difficulties as sporting events were postponed and training sessions were
discontinued.
In the year 2020, the Tokyo Olympics had to be rescheduled to summer 2021. Clubs, teams, athletes, and individuals
who prepared to attend and participate in the games had to go back to the drawing board and prepare for a date not
yet set.
Unfortunately, due to the postponement of the Olympic Games and the implementation of lockdowns and social
distancing, athletes werent able to continue their regular training schedule. This led to irregular practices and
further leading to failure to produce qualifying times to be able to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics which was
held in Summer of 2021.
On the regional scene, athletes would compete in CARIFTA, Whitsuntide games in Grenada and others, all of which
would give them the exposure and experience they need to be able to compete in larger competitions. All of these
were postponed due to lockdowns, closure of airports and social distancing resulting in the athletes being setback in
achieving their objectives. Athletes couldnt participate in these competitions for two consecutive years.
In St. Kitts and Nevis, twenty-four-hour lockdowns and curfews were implemented after a national emergency was
declared in the Federation. Schools were immediately closed, citizens and residents were ordered to stay indoors,
gyms and sporting facilities were closed because they were considered to be high risk areas and prone to the
spreading of the disease.
Two of St. Kitts and Nevis major track and field competitions namely the Gulf Insurance Inter-primary athletics
championship in Nevis and the Inter-High Championship held in St. Kitts were postponed. This resulted in a lack of
competition for the athletes which ultimately meant that they would be unfit for however long the pandemic chose to
stick around.
The purposes of the study are to:
-Shed light on the effect COVID-19 had on track and field in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
outline the reasons why lack of competition saw athletes lose fitness and, in many cases, interest
state why Corporate funding for teams and events became increasing difficult as companies struggle with increased
costs and reduced profits
outline why the Increased in cost-of-living reduced volunteerism in coaching and other supporting activities of the
sport
Track and field athletes would be surveyed online in a cross-sectional manner. Additionally, there is an online
survey that would use sample methods like systematic sampling.
The results of this study will increase public knowledge of COVID-19 and athletics effects, it will also help
government and sporting leaders understand the many benefits COVID-19 has on track and field in the Federation of
St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly on physical and mental health. Additionally, the analysis in this study will provide
important data for future studies that explore the numerous advantages of physical activity. With COVID-19
currently in circulation, research will be done online. Participants will be provided with a consent form to complete.
The research is voluntary, thus there are also no dangers or benefits associated with it.
