Sussex sport in 2020 - why we want to say well done... and thank you!

As 2020 comes to an end, we who cover sport across Sussex want to say well done – and thank you.
Eastbourne Borough boss and skipper Danny Bloor and Charlie Walker have spearheaded one of Sussex sport's success storiesEastbourne Borough boss and skipper Danny Bloor and Charlie Walker have spearheaded one of Sussex sport's success stories
Eastbourne Borough boss and skipper Danny Bloor and Charlie Walker have spearheaded one of Sussex sport's success stories

Well done to those who have continued to organise and play sport in a safe manner, learning and adhering to a multitude of new rules.

And thank you to those who have ensured that not once since the original lockdown started in March has any sport page in any of our newspapers been a struggle to fill.

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We decided from the start that, while we had less space to fill and fewer staff to fill it, we would keep the sports pages as lively and interesting as possible – even when, for quite a few weeks, there was virtually no sport at all.

Rugby players - like these at Bognor - hope to be back in action properly in 2021Rugby players - like these at Bognor - hope to be back in action properly in 2021
Rugby players - like these at Bognor - hope to be back in action properly in 2021

This we have somehow managed. It’s been a challenge but a pleasure too.

We could not have done it without the many club officials and correspondents right across Sussex who keep us up to date with results, news and views, and of course the photographers who have been to all corners of the two counties photographing any sportsman or woman who moves, and some who don’t.

We thank the football managers and cricket captains who we’ve phoned for their opinions. Some footie bosses must dread seeing our number on their screens as they wonder what more they can say about the fact they haven’t played that week!

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Lockdown has raised new sporting issues, not least all the debates about whether different sports should stop or restart, and what should happen in the event of unfinished leagues.

The quality and quantity of competitive women's sport is growing fast in Sussex - and it's very much part of what we put in our papers and onlineThe quality and quantity of competitive women's sport is growing fast in Sussex - and it's very much part of what we put in our papers and online
The quality and quantity of competitive women's sport is growing fast in Sussex - and it's very much part of what we put in our papers and online

We have tried to convey the views of all interested parties, and have attempted to challenge those in authority when we have felt they have not communicated their decisions well.

We hope our sports pages continue to inform, entertain and highlight sporting excellence and achievement.

And as we enter 2021, our aim is for more of the same.

It does look like sport will continue to be interrupted – if not halted altogether –for a few weeks yet, maybe, heaven help us, a few months.

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But with your help in sending in news and pictures and continuing to buy the papers and read the websites, we’ll be here for the duration. Incidentally, the address to send stuff to is... sport.sussex@jpimedia/co.uk (unless you are already sending it to one of our individual addresses, which is fine).

Happy New Year!

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