Olympics organizing chief reveals postponement not an option for them

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña 

The 2021 Tokyo Olympics organizing committee president finally broke his silence amid the fiery issues surrounding the event.

With several recommendations and letters passed just for the prestigious event to be moved again, organizing committee chief Seiko Hashimoto said they can’t afford to postpone the Olympics this year.

“I believe that the possibility of these Games going on is 100% that we will do this. One thing the organizing committee commits and promises to all the athletes out there is that we will defend and protect their health,” said Hashimoto.

Last year, the Olympics had to absorb a forced postponement when the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc all over the world.

A reported cost of $3.5 billion was said to be spent last year and with another delay of the Olympics, the whole organizing body said they can no longer afford it.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also backed up Hashimoto and the rest of the Olympics committee given the health and safety protocols they set with one month left to prepare.

Hashimoto further explained that the creation of the strict bubble-type format for the games will make the situation bearable with no fans allowed to enter the respective venues.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the athletes can compete in the Games. To not be able to have family members and friends who have supported them all along must be a very painful thing and that has caused me pain too,” added Hashimoto.