Sport and COVID-19

Abstract

This chapter aims to present the institutional response of two Balkan countries aimed at mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The research methodology involves document analysis examining policy documents and legislation. The pandemic crisis is a worldwide reality resulting in implementing various physical distancing and preventive measures. These measures were very strict in the Balkan region, but the enforcement depended largely on political circumstances. The political management of the COVID-19 crisis showed that both countries proceeded with the centralized decision-making approach, including the adoption of specific regulations and support for sport movement. The COVID-19 crisis will continue to disrupt sport on different levels, and strong public support will need to provide sustainability of sport-related activities. The “re-thinking” of sport in its current form is inevitable to create more dynamic and resilient sport structures.