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PANAM SPORTS STATEMENT ON TOKYO 2020 |
MEXICO CITY (March 24, 2020) — Given the current situation that the world is unfortunately facing with the Coronavirus pandemic that, according to the World Health Organization, is rapidly accelerating in both the number of cases and deaths throughout the world, the Panam Sports Executive Committee representing the 41 member nations of the Americas agreed on the following points in a video conference this afternoon: a) Complete support for the decision taken by the International Olympic Committee and the Government and Sports authorities of Japan regarding the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to 2021. b) Above all else, the priority of Panam Sports will always be the health and well-being of our athletes. c) We are aware of the serious problems that the Coronavirus is causing for all athletes and that it has not allowed them to train at the level that they are accustomed to. This affects both those who were still seeking to qualify for the Olympic Games as well as those who had already secured their place and dreamed of representing their country with the best preparation possible. d) We call on all of the National Olympic Committees of the Americas, their leaders, coaches and, of course, their athletes to responsibly follow all the safety and health protocols of their respective countries’ authorities and of the World Health Organization in the face of this pandemic, so that we avoid the spread of the Coronavirus. e) Panam Sports will maintain all of its aid programs for athletes, coaches and National Olympic Committees. f) Once the new dates for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are defined, Panam Sports will work together with the IOC, the International Federations, the NOCs and the athletes to be able to adjust their schedules for the competitions that follow, in particular the Junior Pan American Games of Cali 2021 that were scheduled between June 5-20. Panam Sports hopes that this unfortunate pandemic will begin to diminish worldwide as the days go by and we can soon return to our normal activities, and wants to convey its full commitment to the entire Pan American family in the face of these circumstances as well as our unconditional support to our athletes in this difficult time we are all experiencing. |
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