WE are all spending so much more time gazing at a screen, whether it be for business, pleasure or indeed sport. Of course there is a worry that we might all burn out with “screenitis”, but I am not sure if we would be able to get through this pandemic without the internet.

So much is happening online to keep us amused and for certain sports there has been a lot of inspirational innovation which has benefited both athletes and organisations.

Many of those who had intended to run in the London Marathon to fundraise for their favourite causes thought up other personal challenges which satisfied their own need to be active and also kept the sponsorship money rolling in.

So the 2.6 Challenge was born. The one stipulation was that you had to follow the social distancing rules. Otherwise, your imagination was your only limitation as long as you included the numbers two and six.

We have also had the toilet roll challenge, the design challenge, sports quizzes and the opportunity to become privy to many a “conversation with” where sports stars are interviewed one-on-one, through social media platforms, giving their fans an opportunity to hear direct from their own particular sporting legend.

This also helps promote sport and athletes, all of whom will be keen to keep their profile high during this hiatus in the sporting calendar.

Scottish Athletics held a 15-minute virtual challenge that enabled athletes to maintain their fitness and competitive edge while observing social distancing. A total of 1100 athletes got involved.

Amid the continuing uncertainty over the future for sport in Scotland, these challenges bring people together and keep spirits high, both for participants and fans. We are all still looking forward to getting back to “normal”, but when that will happen is still very unclear.