Impact of Covid-19 on University Athletics – International Sports Webinar

By MUBS Communications Dept., 2000-2021.

The Modern University for Business and Science organized the International Sports Webinar entitled “Impact of Covid-19 on University Athletics” on January 28, 2021. The webinar hosted five national and international university athletic figures as guest speakers: from USA, Mrs. Lori Thomas, Vice President of the American University Sports Federation, from Serbia, Professor Aleksandar Nedeljkovic representing the University of Belgrade, from Jordan, Dr. Nehad Makhadmeh representing Al Yarmouk University, From Lebanon, Mr. Sami Garabedian representing the Lebanese American University, and from the United Kingdom, Mr. Owen Rogers representing Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Mr. Fadi Fayad, the Athletic Director at MUBS, moderated the webinar that commenced with a welcome note from the MUBS Provost Dr. Nael Alami, followed by five sessions presented by the guest speakers. Dr. Alami highlighted the significance of the webinar’s topic and the role of university sport leaders in building better communities after the pandemic through rebuilding bridges across countries and continents. Dr. Alami hoped that we would be able to welcome all guests in Lebanon in person during future events.

Then Mr. Fayad presented an introduction including the sub-topics of the webinar with aims and objectives, highlighting on the consequences of the pandemic on university sports at the administrative, economic, and health levels.

In the first session, Mrs. Lori Thomas talked about Covid-19 consequences on national and local university sports events. She emphasized the role of leadership through the pandemic in enhancing task force development and responsibilities, in addition to the significance of proper communication within all constituents including coaches, medical staff, game officials, athletic directors, etc. Finally, Mrs. Lori presented the American Universities Sports Federation Perspective towards this situation.

In the second Session, Professor Aleksandar Nedeljkovic discussed also the same topic, stating that university sport competitions are still suspended in Serbia due to the imposed lockdowns. He also presented the experience of the University of Belgrade (Faculty of Sport and Physical Education) in planning and implementing the practical sport activities during this exceptional period and how the curricula activities are practiced indoors.

Dr. Nehad Makhadmeh discussed in the third session how university students can sustain a healthy lifestyle during quarantine, highlighting some general guidelines to manage a healthier lifestyle. To that end, she explained the experience of Yarmouk University in setting online programs for students under quarantine. Dr. Nehad also explained the perspective of the Jordanian University Sport Federation on the matter.

Mr. Sami Garabedian discussed in the fourth session Covid-19 consequences on international university sports events. He covered the alternative techniques and methods (e-sport challenges) to preserve university althletics reflecting the international university sport federation's (FISU) perspective. Mr. Sami also clarified the amendments and modifications done to the plans and schedules of the International University Sport Federation (FISU) during the previous and current years.

Finally, and in the fifth session, Mr. Owen Rogers discussed Cardiff Met. University's as well as the British Health and Safety Department's measures leading to the Student Empowerment Protocol. Mr. Rodgers presented solidarity strategies administered by leading university sport groups and entities to reserve and restart college athletics.

Finally, the guest speakers concluded the webinar with recommendations for athletic directors and coaches, official sports entities, and athletes. To receive a copy of the recommendations, feel free to email ffayad@mubs.edu.lb