From those on the front line of the fight against COVID-19 to those who have lost their jobs because of it — and everyone in between — this year has thrown up challenges and obstacles we could never have foreseen.
Filling a sports section has certainly been an interesting experience with little to no live sport on, but I am proud of how my team has tackled the adventure.
Now we stand on the precipice of a return to competitive team sport and I for one will not be taking it for granted.
Shepparton Junior Soccer Association action resumes on Saturday, the organisation with the most moving parts to handle this weekend.
With 10 grades taking to the pitch at the one facility, the association's volunteers will have their hands full making sure everything runs smoothly.
Goulburn Valley Hockey Association games are also back, with clubs picking themselves back up after the disappointment of last week's senior cancellation to throw their collective support behind the youngest members of the organisation.
And Shepparton District Junior Football League contests return to the region across the weekend, allowing hundreds of excited footballers the chance to kick the footy once more.
All of these competitions — as well as the Goulburn Valley League, which begins modified junior seasons next weekend, and any others like the Picola District Football Netball League still battling to start playing — will be nervous about getting back out there, but confident in the ability of their volunteers to follow the guidelines which are in place.
So now it is up to you — the parents, family members, supporters, players and even the general public — to repay the faith.
Follow the instructions your league and club gives you, wash your hands, keep your distance where possible and — above all — stay home if you are even a little bit under the weather.
Do not take this small step towards a return to a thriving sporting calendar for granted — because it can be taken away in an instant if even one person does the wrong thing.
Many have asked why leagues are working so hard to get junior matches up and running despite senior cancellations across the board.
The answer is simple — these kids are the future of not only each club, but each league and even each sport itself, and a year off completely could be an almost fatal blow to junior numbers in many areas.
Don't be someone who contributes to turning that fear into a horrible reality.
Tyler Maher
Sports Editor
McPherson Media Group
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