‘Everyone was determined’ to get the Tokyo Games going – Bach

(Reuters) – The entire Olympic movement is united in its decision to ensure the Tokyo Games take place in July and August, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said in a video message to count them six months to the opening event.

Britain’s Times reported Friday that Tokyo was looking to recover from hosting the Games, drawing sharp criticism and flat rejection. The Japanese government rejected the report, and the head of Japan’s Olympic Committee, Yasuhiro Yamashita, told Reuters that it was “manufacturing” and “wrong”.

Bach did not directly address the Times report, or mention the name of the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted the Games to cancel last year, but said he was confident they would go ahead. on from 23 July to 8 August.

“Six months ahead of the Games, the entire Olympic movement is looking forward to the opening ceremony on July 23,” said Bach.

“Today I had the opportunity to speak to 206 of the world’s National Olympic Committees and they are all fully committed and looking forward to the Games. We have the full support of the Japanese government.

“We had another consultation with all members of the IOC yesterday, everyone is determined to make those Olympic Games a light at the end of the tunnel …

“All expectations are good, we are working hard, and for those Games, the first priority is to make them safe for all participants. ”

Much of Japan is in a state of emergency due to the third wave of COVID-19 infections.

Bach acknowledged that starting the Games would be a “big promise”. But he noted that major sporting events were already taking place around the world without the vaccine against the virus.

The German said that the Games’ organizers were looking at “every situation” and had a “huge toolbox” of measures to implement according to the prevailing health conditions.

“This goes from immigration rules, from quarantine rules, to social distance in the Olympic city, to a quick test question, a vaccination question, an audience question, how many? Can there be an audience? ”He said.

“When it comes to the steps, there can be no taboo when we talk about safe Games for everyone.”

Bach said he had been told by the IOC Athletes Commission that, despite the severe difficulties posed by the pandemic to the prospective Olympians, enthusiasm remained high.

“We know how passionate Olympic athletes are and that’s why we know they will be flexible enough and accept the situation we are all in now,” said Bach. .

“They will enter the Olympic stadium on July 23 with great pride and send an important message … to the whole world – a message of resilience, Olympic passion, Olympic values ​​such as loyalty and peace.”