Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:21a.m.
It’s surreal to be in Auckland, juggling work with home life and the contrast between the devastation in Christchurch and children who are blessedly untouched.
The TV3 office is a hive of activity, coordinating the coverage of the tragic earthquake and it is easy, even from my distant position, to be swamped by the stories of heartbreak and (all too little) triumph from the Garden City.
There is, at times, almost a sense of guilt that life for us just carries on while so many in Christchurch are still trapped, hurt, homeless or distraught at the loss of a loved one. When will life for them get back to normal?
It’s why it was so appropriate for the Crusaders to withdraw from their Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday. There are far more important things to focus on in Christchurch than a game of footy. Sport’s time will come and when it does, it will play a big part in the revitalisation of spirits in the quake ravaged city.
Sport is wonderfully trivial, yet has the power to uplift, to unite and to galvanise. It’s also a good way to raise money which is why fundraising events are already being planned. Nick Willis will headline an athletic meet in Wellington with the proceeds going to the Salvation Army’s quake appeal, while the gate takings from the Warriors pre-season match at North Harbour Stadium will be given to the Red Cross. There’s also talk of a fundraising league game in Sydney.
When the time is right sport will play a role in the aftermath of the quake. It will give people something else to focus on – a trivial distraction for sure, but perhaps, when the time is right, a small reason to smile.