Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 - NOC update
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Dear NOC Presidents, Secretaries General and Chefs de Mission,
Since our last communication to you on Sunday 22 March 2020, the impacts of COVID-19 have continued to accelerate around the world, impacting an increasing number of countries and the preparation of athletes around the world.
This situation was discussed this afternoon between the IOC President and the Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. The following press release confirms the conclusion from the discussion that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a later date beyond 2020 but not later than the summer of 2021. This conclusion was subsequently confirmed by the IOC Executive Board.
We understand this decision provides some certainty in the current exceptional environment however also requires all of us to continue to work in solidarity to address the necessary points in regards to this postponement. This includes, among other areas, the timing of the postponed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, necessary adaptations to the Games delivery plans and qualification systems.
We will engage with all stakeholders as quickly as possible to ensure that we develop the necessary plans relating to this postponement.
We thank you again for your support and unity through this challenging period and look forward to moving ahead with the revised Games planning with you.
Kind regards,
James Macleod
Director
Olympic Solidarity and NOC Relations
International Olympic Committee
Château de Vidy, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE STATEMENT
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ANOC Statement
On behalf of the National Olympic Committees (NOC) family, ANOC expresses its full support to the IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee for their joint decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
ANOC recognises that this is a very complex situation that has required consultation with many different Olympic stakeholders. However, as the IOC and Tokyo 2020 have made clear with this decision, the health of the athletes and all Olympic stakeholders is the number one priority and surpasses all other considerations.
ANOC welcomes the certainty this decision provides athletes and NOCs who can now plan with the knowledge that the Games will not take place this year but not later than summer 2021. As the leaders of the IOC and Tokyo 2020 commented, the Olympic Games will now serve as a “beacon of hope” for us all to look forward to with optimism as we aim to emerge from these challenging times stronger than ever.
With the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly accelerating around the world, it is very important that all Olympic stakeholders continue to follow the guidance and advice provided by the World Health Organisation and their respective national health authorities.
ANOC offers its deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by COVID-19 and will continue to offer support to NOCs during these challenging times.
Please click here for the official ANOC Letter & official ANOC Statement
