Quotes from the IOC’s stakeholder consultations regarding the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Husain Al-Musallam, Director General, Olympic Council of Asia

"The Olympic Council of Asia is fully commited to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. We support the principles, guidelines and measures the IOC has taken, and we look forward to Olympic Games in Tokyo that can offer hope to the world."

Mustapha Berraf, President, Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa:

"The African Olympic and sports movement is convinced that the IOC’s position is the correct one, and welcomes 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. We have complete confidence, and confirm that we are entirely willing to fully implement the decisions taken by the IOC and its partners, coupled with the expertise of the WHO.

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. The culture of hope is after all another way of fighting for life."

Janez Kocijancic, President, European Olympic Committees:

“Following today’s conference call between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the world’s National Olympic Committees, the European Olympic Committees (EOC) would like to reiterate its support and endorsement for the communique issued by the IOC Executive Board and the principles included therein.

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 the wider public. 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.

It has to be underlined that the current status of European sport is on hold, and this affects all of us and must be considered when decisions are taken. We will continue to provide support to the NOCs of Europe and all their athletes. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and hopefully we will return even stronger.”

Dr Robin Mitchell, President, Oceania National Olympic Committees:

“The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) fully supports the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its commitment to stage the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. 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.”

Neven Ilic A., President, Panam Sports:

“Panam Sports and its 41 member nations had a very interesting meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach and his team through a conference call, where we discussed the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the serious impact of COVID-19 on the global qualification systems.

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. The athletes of the Americas are facing issues to complete their usual training schedules and take part in competitions. After the excitement of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, the athletes of the Americas are looking forward to successful Olympic Games in Tokyo in July this year.”