The entity's position is due to the worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world
The Brazilian Olympic Committee defends the transfer of the Tokyo Olympic Games to 2021, in a period equivalent to that originally scheduled, between the end of July and the first half of August.
COB's position is due to the notorious worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already infected 250,000 people worldwide, and the consequent difficulty for athletes to maintain their best competitive level due to the need to stop training and competitions on a global scale.
"As a judoka and former coach of the sport, I learned that the dream of every athlete is to compete in the Olympic Games in their best conditions. It is clear that, at this moment, maintaining the Games for this year will prevent this dream from being fully realized", says COB President Paulo Wanderley, who commanded the Brazilian team in Barcelona 1992.
The COB points out that the postponement suggestion in no way alters the entity's confidence in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the best solution for Olympism will be taken.
"The IOC has experienced immense problems before, such as in the episodes that culminated in the cancellation of the 1916, 1940 and 1944 Games, due to the World Wars, and in the boycotts of Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984. The organization was able to overcome these obstacles, and we see the Olympic Flame stronger than ever. I'm sure that Thomas Bach, gold medalist in Montreal 1976, is fully prepared to lead us in this difficult time", Paulo Wanderley adds.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, COB has prioritized the health and well-being of Brazilian athletes and employees of the Committee. A week ago, the organization canceled public and preparatory events for the Games and determined the total closure of CT Time Brasil on Tuesday.
DANIEL VARSANO
COMITÊ OLÍMPICO DO BRASIL
BRAZIL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Comunicação / Communication
+55 21 3433-5935
Daniel.Varsano@cob.org.br
Av. das Américas, 899. Barra da Tijuca.
22.631-000, Rio de Janeiro – RJ.
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