SPORTING communities across Ballarat are rallying to support each other mentally and physical amid isolation and social distancing to prevent coronavirus spread.
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The Running Company's Brianne Hook said runners typically loved sharing advice and photos on new places to explore and this need not stop.
While the store's weekly run club has been suspended, the team was stepping up social media as a way to keep Ballarat's strong running community banding together.
This comes as free community ParkRuns have been put on hold worldwide indefinitely.
"A lot of sorting seasons are being postponed but we still want people to get out being as active as they can. you can go for a run by yourself everyday," Ms Hook said.
"We're having people post a selfie on social media to connect in that way, we encourage people to get on (running and cycling social network) Strava and check out what others are doing, encourage each other."
The Running Company has a 6K at 6pm campaign, encouraging people to post a photo on a six-kilometre run at the usual run club time each Wednesday. The team is also posting a series to promote trails about the Ballarat region for extra motivation.
"It highlights what we have about Ballarat and helps offer ideas to those who maybe haven't ventured much further than the lake or Vic Park for a run," Ms Hook said. "Enjoy the open, fresh air."
Grassroots football and netball clubs are also turning to social media platforms and apps to keep teammates connected.
Ballarat Swans and Storm junior netballers undertook specialist training to talk about depression, anxiety, suicide and well-being last season. Junior netball coordinator Cindy Sullivan said now was the time when checking in on each other was more imperative than ever.
The club's football and netball coaches and coordinators have been working to set up support systems for players and their families with age-appropriate fitness skills and drills, gradually ensuring every girl has a netball and platforms to stay in touch.
"Not having social contact is a huge thing, especially with everyone looking forward to starting the season," Ms Sullivan said.
"We really have to be proactive looking at different ways to come together socially in a love and passion for netball, or football, and to stay positive."
Ms Sullivan said it had been tough for clubs with information and health recommendations constantly changing when they want to keep members best informed.
The club has been directing players to apps like NETFIT and seven-minute workouts, the free Smiling Mind sessions for mindfulness and tips on websites like youth mental health body headspace.
Meanwhile, Netball Australia has announced it would partner with former Super Netball player Sarah Wall, who hails from Camperdown, and her NETFIT program in free online workouts for netballers from Monday.
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