Never did I think I’d ever live to live through a global pandemic. Honestly, I didn’t even think it was possible at this time and age, except maybe if a genetically modified one like in the Blacklist series was released to the public. But then again, surely Reddington and team would be there to stop and contain the outbreak?
All said and done, COVID-19 did strike and now we find ourselves living a nightmare: jobs lost, businesses closed, people infected, countries on lockdown, sports suspended……… Who’d have thought?
At the same time though, there are those who’ve found a footing in the world during this time; some people have put into action a series of ideas that arguably would not have happened had the virus not struck.
I, for example, managed to found Duo-Bearings Africa (DBA), and by the time the second wave of lockdown restrictions were imposed, had managed to host at least 4 competitions. The KR-ITT Series and the Sprint Battle are some of the examples of the race series launched, and there are more along the way. The current suspension of sports and general lockdown restrictions have only given us time to more firmly set a foundation for DBA, and we’ll be ready to run as soon as the restrictions are lifted.
Point is, yes we are living in uncertain times, but they just might be the ignition needed to encourage out-of-the-box thinking and boost the start of new businesses. After all, entreprenures do venture into business to solve particular problems in the society/world, no?
Mr. James Muiruri of Swim Africa did say something once in passing: the greatest ideas are found in [the] cemetery while the best ideas are those currently in play.
It is to the youth (like myself) and the athletes that I address the importance of looking at the world and for problems to solve and make money out of it (of course!). Athletes tend to rely either on sponsors or team officials for pay, which might explain why many of them tend to live in abject poverty after their sporting careers are over. Not to mention that the youth tend to tarmac looking for employment as soon as they are done with school, and not all of them manage to find a job.
Investing in a business is a risky venture, but the rewards are sweet! And the pride that comes with owning something is on a whoooole other level.
Particularly to the athletes: find an alternative source of living/cash. Frankly, sports is unpredictable, and chances are, if you get injured and are unable to.play ever again, you will not receive the same amount of compensation as when you were playing (if at all), and what will you do then? Cry out to well wishers?
I think that this time, when life has slowed down, is the time to start looking at alternatives so that when things resume, you are assured that should there ever be another unpredictable incident, your future is secure.
I developed a strong sense of dislike towards those who advised me to look for money in addition to the training I was doing. So strong that they became the enemy; the “naysayers”. As a sport, cycling is expensive seeing as parts need to be maintained, purchased, replaced……and without money, your career in the sport could be over even before it begins.
Yes, training and playing are important. But at least make sure that you can take care of yourself (and your family) at all times. One thing I’ve learnt: money is super important in this world. You need it to basically live.
I challenge you, then, to look for a solution for your financials while solving a problem in society. And who knows? The future might not be so bleak after all 😉
(Please note that this is a fully opined article, so please free to agree or disagree in the comments below)
For further information on Duo-Bearings Africa, please contact +254 707 047 249, or email duobearingsafrica@gmail.com.
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