Ottery indoor sports finally able to restart

After months of innovation, training outside and virtual lessons, indoor sports are ready to make a full return to normality.
One perfect example of the challenges overcome by sporting clubs normally based indoors is the team at Ottery Tae Kwon-Do, who have worked wonders to maintain enthusiasm and participation.
Events have included a special training session at Buckerell Lodge.
When the plans for easing lockdown were first issued, Martial Arts was given a roadmap by the Government, starting with outdoor 1-2-1 training in early March and then outdoor group sessions at the end of March.
Tae Kwon-Do was able to move indoors for Under-18s from April 12 and then May 17 represented a massive day for the sport, with all group lessons able to move indoors.
Next on the list is that pivotal date of June 21, when the sport will be hoping for a return to full contact training and competitions.
As part of the British Tae Kwon-Do Council, the Ottery team are able to provide approved courses for safe training, a comprehensive insurance package and compete in tournaments.
Sessions are held at the Ottery Scout Centre on Thursdays and Sundays, with juniors and family classes from 6pm – 6.50pm, and senior sessions from 7.10pm - 8.10pm. Contact Taylor.tkd@hotmail.co.uk
It has been a similar story of creativity for local boxing clubs, with coaches devising a range of online training programmes to maintain fitness and passion for the sport.
England Boxing has now published an initiative, aptly called KO Covid, with a phased return to the sport.
Boxing, and all contact sports, naturally pose a greater risk of exposure to Covid, but a plan is now in place after consultation with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
The phased return has been set out in four sections, starting with non-contact activity, such as bag work. It is then a return to equipment training, followed by contact training and finally competitions can resume.
In a somewhat more sedate setting, other indoor sports looking to properly resume include the world of snooker, darts, table tennis and much more.
We are getting there, gradually.