Manila, Philippines, March 30, 2020: One of Asia’s most respected sports officials, Dr. Celso L. Dayrit of the Philippines, has insisted “the dream lives on” regarding Tokyo 2020.
In a letter to the Olympic family, the Fencing Confederation of Asia President points out the “positive impact” of the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games from July 24-August 9 to no later than the summer of 2021.
Under the title of “The Dream Lives On”, Celso says: “Though delayed, the Games of the XXXII Olympiad will push through (it was not cancelled).
“This should be good for the Olympic Movement and to all stakeholders including the International Olympic Committee, International Federations, National Olympic Committees, the Japanese people, the sponsors and, above all, the athletes. As the 32nd Olympic cycle is extended by one year, immeasurable benefits could be derived. Consider:
*More aspiring individual athletes could be given a “second chance” to qualify for the delayed Tokyo Games. In team sports where countries have already qualified, the composition of the team could still be adjusted giving more athletes the chance to make it to the Olympics.
*While some individual athletes have already sealed their slots for Tokyo, some International Federations may recommend new guidelines to qualify additional athletes who may prove deserving by next year. The possibility of having a “bigger” Olympics in 2021 looms.
*Most of the big IOC sponsors have signed up for at least two Olympic cycles, so to postpone the Tokyo Games is not detrimental to them. More sponsors could even be attracted to come in now as they will benefit from having four Olympic Games (the Winter and Youth Games in 2022 and two summer Games) in the next four years.
*Most local sponsors in Japan will benefit from the extended period to exploit their marketing rights. This could attract more companies to avail of this last chance to be part of Olympic history.
*The Japanese economy will greatly benefit with the announced postponement, as evidenced by the rebound in their stock market. The fruits of their investments will simply be delayed, but not lost altogether.
*Both government and businesses in Japan welcome the postponement to redeem their investments next year from an otherwise total loss due to the current pandemic this year. Hotels, airlines and other services naturally prefer rebooking than cancellation and refunds. And spectators may even choose to hold on to their tickets rather than lose their rights to their reserved seats next year.”
To conclude, the fencing president says: “No one is to be blame for pushing back the Tokyo Games from its original schedule but everyone must look at the opportunities that the Olympic Games next year could bring. After all, our dreams will continue to live on.”