European Committees (EOC), Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC), Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and Panam Sports have expressed their firm support to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and honestly shared in the statement that there is no need for “any drastics decisions at this stage” regarding this year’s Olympics and Paraolympics.
“In this time of unprecedented disruption to our daily lives caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, our first priority is to ensure the safety of those around us, in particular our families, communities and wider public,” an EOC statement said.
“We are living through an unpredictable crisis and, as such, it is important that we have one policy, expressed by the IOC, and we follow that policy in unison.”
“ONOC fully supports the IOC in its commitment to stage the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” said ONOC President Robin Mitchell.
“We share the view that we must be realistic but not panic.”There are many details to sort out for qualification, and for participation for the Games themselves no solution will be perfect, but we will work in solidarity to find the best way forward.”
The Africa Olympic and sports movement is convinced that the IOC’s position is the right one, and was moved by the sense of responsibility shown by its President, Thomas Bach, who is making considerable efforts to ensure that the Olympic Games are preserved, which is what we all want to happen,” said ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf.
“ANOCA and all its representatives will remain united under all circumstances behind the IOC President, and will contribute efficiently and responsibly to the fight against this global pandemic to ensure the protection of the African athletes, who have made so many sacrifices in the pursuit of their dream of taking part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.”
Panam Sports President Neven Ilic was another to pledge his support. “The Panam Sports family unanimously supports the IOC with all the measures taken.”The Panam Sports family unanimously supports the IOC with all the measures taken with the International Federations to address the issues facing the NOCs and athletes in the current qualification opportunities,” he said