Tunisian referee Belgharek joins COVID-19 frontline

TUNIS (Tunisia) - When Sami Belgharek isn't officiating basketball games in his native Tunisia or across the continent of Africa he can be found caring for the most vulnerable.

So much so that with the current wave of coronavirus pandemic and the Tunisian government's decision to impose a four-week nationwide lockdown until April 19 in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus, the 49-year-old referee has joined the COVID-19 frontline.

And with basketball at standstill across the globe, Belgharek is dedicating most of his time on his second occupation as a supervisor in a care home for over 60s in Tunis. 

"During these difficult times, our patients need our help more than ever, especially because most of them have no relatives who could care for them, and they have no visitors," the international referee explained to FIBA.basketball.

According to official figures, Tunisia has confirmed over 700 cases of COVID-19 and more than 30 associated deaths.

Belgharek, who started his basketball referee career in 1993 and had his first international assignment in 2005, calls the fight against COVID-19 unprecedented and one that needs to be won.

"This virus must be taken seriously and my role as this care home's supervisor is to raise awareness about the severity of this virus without experiencing stress and panic. We make - not only our patients - but everyone aware that it is important to follow health authorities guidelines," Belgharek stressed.

"Here we are doing everything in our power to help the elderly and keep them informed about the best practices against this pandemic, and hopefully, we'll succeed," he added. 

Sami Belgharek made his FIBA AfroBasket debut in 2013 in Cote d'Ivoire

As much as Belgharek loves his home care role and looking after the vulnerable people, he insists that he can't wait for his return to basketball courts although it might not happen as he turns 50 in December, and therefore he reaches the officiating age limit.

And with basketball activities facing uncertainty about its return to normality, he doesn't know what the future holds to his basketball career although he remains physical and mentally prepared for a return. 

It was during an hour-long exercise session that Belgharek paused to express his feelings: "That's not how I hoped to finish my officiating career," he said.

"I dreamed about having a memorable farewell season, but the coronavirus pandemic came and this makes things complicated for officials in my position."

FIBA