Athletes’ commission backs deferral of Olympics

THE Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) Athletes’ Commission has affirmed its membership and backed the deferral of the Games to next year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“All of us are connected through the Ocean,” Karo Lelai said in statement.
“Now, more than ever, we need to support each other through these difficult times by showing solidarity.
“Despite borders, we are all Pacific people and part of the global village.
“The Olympic Games would not be the Olympic Games if we did not do the right thing and put humanity first.”
The statement applauds the positive attitude of athletes all over the world and reinforces the unity for which the people of Oceania are known.
“As natural voyagers and warriors, we are resilient, assertive, decisive, creative and agile people,” said Lelai, who is also the acting president of the Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea.
“So we encourage you to use your instincts and tap into this attribute to remain active and healthy, and to continue to live out the Olympic values in your respective countries.
“We remain in discussions with ONOC and the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission who are our voice at the highest level, to ensure that the athletes’ view remains at the heart of the decisions of the Olympic movement.
“We will communicate and share relevant updates that come to hand. We also encourage you to stay in touch with your respective athletes’ commissions and also follow the digital platforms of Athlete365 for Covid-19 updates.
“It is now time to put your health and that of your family and community first.
“We have prevailed through natural disasters and other diseases and we will do so with Covid-19.
“Let’s recalibrate, re-strategise and re-focus. Eyes on the prize, people.”