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Tentacles of Olympic cancellation would reach around globe
TOKYO (AP) ‐ The tentacles of canceling the Tokyo Olympics ‐ or postponing or staging it in empty venues ‐ would reach into every corner of the globe, much like the spreading virus that now imperils the opening ceremony on July 24.The International Olympic Committee and local organizers say the games are on, but the clock is ticking. The fate of the Tokyo Games touches 11,000 Olympic and 4,400 Paralympic athletes, coaches and sports officials, local organizers, the Japanese government and national morale, international broadcasters, fans and world sponsors. Add to this hotels, airlines and taxi drivers ‐ and even 80,000 unpaid volunteers who will miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I’ve heard things about possibly the Olympics being canceled, and I think that would stink," J’den Cox, a two-time world champion wrestler and an Olympic bronze medalist in Rio de Janeiro, told The Associated Press. "It would probably break everybody’s heart if that were to happen." The Olympic brand could be damaged, although the Switzerland-based International Olympic Committee may be among the least affected parties financially if the games are called off. The IOC has been resolute in its message, although it has a several-month window to decide. Posted by: Besoeker 2020-03-10 |
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