05 Mar 2020

 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board has expressed commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 despite fears over COVID-19.

A press statement released on March 4 says the IOC executive board encourages all athletes to continue with preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

 “The IOC will keep supporting the athletes by providing the latest information and developments, which are accessible for athletes worldwide on the Athlete365 website,” it states.

  The Olympic Games are billed for July 25- August 9.

   It says a joint task force has already been formed in mid-February, involving the IOC, Tokyo 2020, the host city of Tokyo, the government of Japan and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to monitor the situation.

The release explains that the IOC executive board appreciates and supports the measures being taken, which constitute an important part of Tokyo’s plans to host safe and secure Games.

It further says they will continue to follow the advice of WHO, as the leading United Nations agency on the topic.

The IOC also recognises the unity and solidarity of the athletes, National Olympic Committees, International Federations and governments and welcomes their close collaboration and flexibility with regard to the preparations for the Games, and particularly the qualification events. ENDs