While today’s news that the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo have been postponed until next year is an extremely sad moment, USA Volleyball absolutely concurs that it is the correct decision in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that is accelerating in many regions of the world and is very much unpredictable at this stage. The health and safety for the athletes, team delegations, Games administrators and worldwide fans take precedent over sport in times like these.
For our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, I understand the days and weeks leading up to this decision have created uncertainty and anxiety in your lives. Rest assured, USA Volleyball will continue to do our utmost to manage through these extraordinary times and support you how we can. We look forward to being able to resume normal training and competition in preparation for the Tokyo Games soon. We are a team and we are all in this together.
I hold high confidence that the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the Japanese government will work cohesively together to reset the Games next year in a fair manner for all involved and I appreciate them listening to the athletes’ voice in their decision making process. I envision the world’s top athletes coming together in Tokyo next year sharing the message that as a world we can unite as one team even though wearing the country flags of many.
Stay safe, stay healthy and Go USA!
Jamie Davis
CEO, USA Volleyball
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