Opinion: Christchurch mosque massacre highlights importance of clinging to what's positive

The Chiefs and Hurricanes come together for a moments silence prior to their round five Super Rugby match at the weekend. Photo / Getty Images

There was some debate over the weekend, in light of the shooting in Christchurch on Friday, about whether sporting events should still go ahead.

I have to admit I was conflicted, as I think many people were. On one hand it feels almost insensitive to carry on with something as normal as sport when the nation as a whole is grieving. There can be a feeling of guilt if you carry on as normal when people are in mourning.

However, the more I think about it, the more I think it is crucial that we cling to what is positive in the world and in this great country of ours. For many, watching and playing sport brings positive normality back into their lives.

In no way am I saying we should forget what happened and move on. We should mourn and we will, for a long time. What happened was horrific and I can't imagine what the families and friends of the victims are going through.

I also understand the Crusaders versus Highlanders Super Rugby match being called off. I doubt many of the Crusaders players were in a mental state to play the game after what happened in their hometown. That makes sense and I think in any situation the players' welfare has to come first.

But, I also think it was right for other games to go ahead and I don't think we should feel guilty for enjoying them. Sport is unique in the way it can unite people for a common cause or interest and I think going ahead with it showed strength in the face of adversity.

When the Hurricanes and Chiefs players all linked arms in a circle for a moment of silence, it was a poignant moment. I believe that gesture, putting their rivalry aside to stand united, represented how many of us were feeling. We all wanted to show the rest of the world that, as a country, we are strong and resilient in our unity.

On Monday, I wrote about Crankworx getting under way this week and I think event director Ariki Tibble said it best: "For us, it's hard to go on as normal, we've seen other major events cancelled across the country. We're just trying to adjust to the new normal and there's no better way to start the healing process than to pull together under a united cause under a banner of unity and wanting to do something special together."

In times of darkness it is more important than ever that we let the light in and in my opinion sport is one of the best ways to do so.