Thomas Bach Addresses Tokyo Games Cancellation Rumors (Video)
Six months shy of the start of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, there has been considerable speculation as to whether the Games will be held, or if they will be canceled for a second time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent reports cited an anonymous source within the Japanese government as stating that it will be impossible for the Olympics to be held this summer. However, that statement has been widely refuted, including by a formal statement from the Japanese government.
“Some news reports circulating today are claiming that the Government of Japan has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be canceled because of the coronavirus. This is categorically untrue.
“At an IOC Executive Board meeting in July last year, it was agreed that the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 would be held on July 23 this year, and the programme and venues for the Games were rescheduled accordingly. All parties involved are working together to prepare for a successful Games this summer.
“We will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue to work closely with the IOC, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in our preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer.”
Meanwhile, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach took time to address the issue and reiterated his comments that the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Games is on course to take place. Below is a video of Bach addressing the status of the Olympic Games. Bach’s comments followed statements by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Australian Olympic Committee that refuted claims about Tokyo’s cancellation.
I wonder if the athletes will be made to vaccinate before heading to Tokyo as a condition for attending the Olympics