XtraTime Web Desk: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has written an open letter addressed to his country’s doctors and nurses who has been risking their lives to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Drawing reference to the doctors and medical staffs, the BlackCaps captain said these are the people who truly understand what it means to be under pressure — a word so often thrown around in sports. Writing in ‘New Zealand Herald’, Williamson addressed the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who are on the front-line to battle the deadly outbreak, which has claimed more than 21,000 lives globally.
The letter comes at a time when New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has declared a state of national emergency as the country is under complete lockdown to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
Here is the full text of Williamson’s letter:
Dear doctors, nurses and caregivers, Events of the past few days have made it clear we’re living through a health crisis the likes of which we’ve never seen.
There will no doubt be times in the coming days when the scale of what we’re facing will seem overwhelming.
We’re so grateful you have our backs.
People talk about the pressure sportsmen and women are under to perform, but the truth is we get to do something we love every day for a living. We play games.
Real pressure is working to save lives. Real pressure is going into work each day while putting your own personal safety on the line for the good of others.
Every day over the next weeks and months you and your colleagues will be asked to do that.
It’s an enormous responsibility that can only be carried out by the best kind of people: those who put the greater good ahead of all else.
As Blackcaps, we know how amazing it feels to have the support of a country behind you.
In that same vein, we need you to know you’re not alone. We want you to know that there’s a whole country behind you.
We will get through this and you are a big reason why.