Recognizing the power of sport in advancing society, 118 Member States of the United Nations (UN) has called for all States to include sport and physical activity in their recovery plans post-COVID-19 and to integrate sport and physical activity into national strategies for sustainable development.

According to the International Olympic Committee, the likes of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020, as well as many other postponed events, when convened, will have a special place in the heart of the public. These sporting events will stand as a symbol of human unity and strength in the aftermath of this global pandemic.

In addition, the Sports of Youth Ministry of Malaysia has announced that our very own SUKMA XX Johor & PARA-SUKMA have been rescheduled to March and April 2021. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of our Sports Ministry to the IOC and heeding this advice as part of Malaysia’s recovery plans for post-CoVid-19.

The Joint Statement, initiated by the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Sustainable Development, Permanent Representatives of the Principality of Monaco (Isabelle Picco) and of the State of Qatar (Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani) to the UN supports the findings of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Policy Brief #73 on “The Impact of COVID-19 on sport, physical activity, and well-being and its effects on social development”.

Efforts are being made on a bigger scale by Governments and Agencies around the world to revive the sports economy as well as encouraging big and small sports businesses to stay strong and strive during this period. As mentioned by the IOC President, Thomas Bach, “The post coronavirus world will benefit from sport.”

Furthermore, the preparation for the next FIFA World Cup 2022 has already been resumed. With the Tokyo Olympic to be undertaken next year, this will show the world the importance of the sports industry in boosting countries’ economies post-CoVid-19, and also provides a symbol of universality, solidarity, and resilience.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and IOC launched a campaign “Healthy Together” after their signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2020. Their main focus is on the promotion and advocacy for health through sports and physical activities. The campaign showcased athletes who found a way to stay active, creatively inventing new exercises to be done at home and sharing this with their fans.

Even though we are a small business, we at Rehamed Therapy are doing our part not only in sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation but also by introducing creative ways to treat our patients during this global pandemic

We developed an online training schedule during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period that was aimed at ensuring our patients and athletes are well-taken care of. It is important for them that they are still going through their treatment to meet their end goal, as we explained in our previous blog on the Principles of Sports Rehabilitation.

Regardless, we are doing our best to help to boost the Malaysian economy through sports. With this calling by the IOC, we encourage all of our sports partners, clients, patients, suppliers, vendors and even our competitors to not give up but actively try to come out with ways to help our beloved industry.