IOC President Bach encourages everyone to stay strong
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach encouraged people to stay active, strong and healthy during the coronavirus crisis, before celebrating Tokyo 2020 as a festival of resilience and solidarity.
According to Tasnim news agency, Bach made the call in a message published ahead of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which will take place on Monday.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the United Nations’ supported event will focus on the health benefits of participating in sporting and physical activity, especially in this time of uncertainty and social distancing.
Organizers have asked people to be active, stay healthy and demonstrate solidarity, adding that team spirit will help the world through the current challenges together.
Bach echoed the sentiment in a video message where - riding an indoor bike - he said remaining active would help people through the crisis and afterwards.
“We are all in the same situation right now, we all cannot live our normal lives. We all have every day to find new ways to stand through this crisis. There, sport and physical activity can play an important role. An important role for staying strong and for staying healthy, but also to get ready for the day after this crisis,” he said.
“For the day we are all longing for, when we can resume our professional and social life. And for the day when finally we can hug each other again and can play sport together again. So, join all the Olympic athletes, and me, by staying active, staying strong and staying healthy to be ready for this very day,” Bach stated.
Dates for the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were announced on March 30.
The Games will open on July 23 next year, with the Closing Ceremony taking place on August 8.
ME
