SYDNEY, Dec 15: The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has launched a special project to assist Australian athletes manage difficulties associated with Covid-19 before, during and after the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
AOC officials revealed the initiative on Monday evening, calling it Project Wagasa — the Japanese word for umbrella, reports Xinhua news agency.
Athletes will be supported in keeping fit and healthy as they attend qualification events, pre-Games training camps, and the Games themselves, as well as returning to Australia.
“The Games are on and we are going to fulfil our promise. Our job is to ensure the sports can qualify their athletes with least amount of logistical difficulty and assemble the Australian Team next year to have their Olympic moment,” AOC Chief Executive Matt Carroll said.
The AOC announced a partnership with health specialists Aspen Medical to provide tailored advice and services to assist in the process.
Chef de Mission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic team, Ian Chesterman said the safety of Australia’s high-performance athletes was of the upmost importance.
“I know that the IOC and the Tokyo organisers also share our commitment to provide a safe environment for all.” (IANS)