TORONTO -- Team Canada will not send a team to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paraplegic Committee officials announced the decision on Sunday night, calling it difficult, but the right one for all involved.
The COC also called on Olympic and Paralympic Games officials to consider postponing thye 2020 games for a year, while the world recovers from the devastating COVID-19 outbreak.
"While we recognize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community," the release reads
"This is not solely about athlete health - it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training toward these Games. In fact, it runs counter to the public health advice which we urge all Canadians to follow."
The International Olympic Committee has remained steadfast in its determination that the Games go ahead as planned.
"The health of the global community is the priority before we can think to bring the world's best athletes together for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said Marc-Andre Fabien, president of the CPC, in a statement
"As a global sport movement, we have a duty to set an example for ethical and socially responsible decision making. While we appreciate that all possible scenarios are now being evaluated, it is critical to make a prompt decision now in order to provide a clear path ahead."
Troy Walby, chair of the Canadian Paralympic Athletes' Council, reiterated the call for a one-year delay
"On behalf of the Canadian Para athlete community, we appreciate that the athletes' best interests are at the core of this position and fully support the direction of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Canadian Olympic Committee to not send a team to Tokyo this summer and request a one-year postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
