Olympics postponed
The Olympics have been postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The head of the International Olympic Committee and Japan's Prime Minister have agreed the Tokyo Games can't start in July as planned.
They've been pushed back to a date "no later" than next summer to "safeguard the health of athletes".
The Games, were due to begin on the 24th of July.
Joint Statement from the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committeehttps://t.co/XNcaa4Gvx8
— Olympics (@Olympics) March 24, 2020
He says a full games will take place in Japan before the end of next year.
He held talks with the head of the IOC Thomas Bach earlier today.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland welcomes the decision to postpone the Summer Olympic Games to 2021.
“This decision, while totally appropriate, will impact on sport and our athletes in different ways, there will be mixed emotions.”
Full statement HERE ⏬⏬https://t.co/J4m7dakG1e pic.twitter.com/bek51TNmbY
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) March 24, 2020
In a statement the OFI says:
"Considering the current global crisis. Given the fast developments around the world with the Covid-19 pandemic, this the correct decision under difficult circumstances."
"The focus for Team Ireland now will be on protecting and safeguarding the Irish athletes over the coming months and ensuring that they can bounce back to full training and be in peak condition for a successful Games in 2021."
"The Olympic Federation of Ireland CEO, Peter Sherrard welcomed the call, acknowledging the complexities involved in postponing the Games saying:
"We recognize it was a difficult call for Japan to make, and we are looking forward to working with the IOC and countries all over the world to make Tokyo 2021 a poignant moment for the whole world once these difficult times are over.”
