GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli statement on decision of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

On behalf of all of our International Federation Members, GAISF expresses its full support of the decision that was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, and Japan’s Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games until no later than the summer of 2021.

GAISF understands that this was an incredibly difficult decision, but one that was necessitated by the rapidly evolving situation regarding the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. This decision will protect the health, wellbeing, and safety of every single person involved, which shall remain our shared priority.

GAISF understands that flexibility around competition dates for 2021 may now be required and we will work closely with the stakeholders and local organisers of our multi-sport events in 2021 in this regard. I remain fully committed to maximising opportunities for our Members to promote grassroots and elite sport around the world.

Our hearts go out to the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the people of Japan. GAISF is completely confident that Japan will still be home to a truly global celebration of sport and humanity. GAISF looks forward to working with the IOC, the IPC, International Federations and Tokyo 2020, to ensure that the athletes and their respective sports all have their moment to shine in 2021.

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