IOC Reaffirms Olympic Games Will Be Held as Protester Interrupts Conference Call

IOC Reaffirms Olympic Games Will Be Held as Protester Interrupts Conference Call

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reaffirmed its stance that this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo will be held, despite opposition from the majority of citizens in Japan. More, the Associated Press reported that during a Wednesday conference call, a protester was able to inject himself into the call and stated: “No Olympics anywhere. No Olympics anywhere.”

Earlier this week, it was announced that next week’s planned trip to Japan by IOC President Thomas Bach was canceled due to rising COVID-19 cases throughout the country, and the extension of states of emergency in several locales. While Japan has done well compared with the rest of the world in terms of total COVID cases, it has struggled among Asian countries in its containment. Additionally, an online petition calling for the cancellation of the Tokyo Games has surpassed more than 300,000 signatures.

But on Wednesday, the IOC stood firm that the Olympics, following a one-year delay due to the Coronavirus, would be held beginning in late July. Mark Adams, an IOC spokesperson, told reporters: “We listen, but won’t be guided by public opinion. Everything is telling us that the Games can go ahead and will go ahead.”

In preparation for the Games, and in an attempt to guarantee athletes will be able to compete in a safe environment, the IOC agreed to a deal this week that will have Pfizer supplying COVID-19 vaccinations to athletes who have not yet had the chance to be vaccinated.

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Nathan

2 years ago

I can think of 15 billion reasons why the Olympics will not be canceled.

Alberto Jose Hurtado

2 years ago

Reply to Nathan

Let the tradition of the Games continue……