All set to truly appreciate how sport can change our lives - Editor's comment

Team sport is off and that has a huge impact on so many youngsters, not to mention all those adults who are slightly more grumpier than usual without their usual exercise.

Sport is absolutely vital to so many of our lives. It teaches children how to work together with others, the importance of looking after yourself and raises aspirations. It isn’t just about fitness but also mental wellbeing, dreams and opportunities. Taking that away creates a huge problem at the best of times let alone when added onto everything else we’re struggling with at the minute.

The novelty of not racing around the city to get to training sessions because we’re locked down has well and truly disappeared. Now the thought of watching world-beating athletics at EIS or making a splash with diving at Ponds Forge feels like a mere dream. This is certainly a case of not fully appreciating what we have got … until it has gone.

That is why today’s front page news is so welcome. We are full steam ahead for an Olympic Legacy Park that truly upholds its promise to get more people involved in sport.

Maybe, just maybe, one of those children who takes up basketball or rugby on that site will one day bring a gold medal home to Sheffield. It is so important that we make every opportunity open and available to every Sheffielder because we all know that talent isn't dependent on which neighbourhood you are born in or your parents’ economic standing.

That love of sport needs to be cherished by the whole city and, sadly, we haven’t always managed that. The developments in Attercliffe can attract international investment and attention while making things better for youngsters in one of our most deprived neighbours. Isn’t it amazing what happens when Team Sheffield pulls together and fully utilises all the expertise on offer in our incredible city? I hope I never run out of opportunities to express that sentiment and that we truly emerge from this awful pandemic full of hope for the opportunities shining on the horizon of our seven proud hills. See you at tip-off for the first Sharks game in their own arena court …

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.