Lausanne, Switzerland, May 18, 2020: The Association of National Olympic Committees and the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee today announced the joint decision to call off this year’s ANOC General Assembly in Seoul due to the global pandemic and reschedule it for 2021 on dates to be determined.
The event - for the world’s 206 NOCs - was due to take place on November 25-26, with the Gala Awards on the evening of November 25. It was part of the centenary celebrations of the Olympic movement in Korea dating back to the establishment of the Chosun Sports Council on July 13, 1920.
ANOC is assessing alternative options for ensuring NOCs are provided with the opportunities to express their ideas and opinions and receive all the necessary reports and updates.
Acting ANOC President Robin Mitchell said: “We are, of course, disappointed that we will not be hosting our General Assembly this year but we believe that, given the current global circumstances, it is the right decision to take.
“We would like to thank our partners at the KSOC for all their hard work and for the flexibility they have shown. We will continue to work closely with the KSOC and look forward to welcoming the world’s NOCs to Seoul in 2021.”
KSOC President and IOC Member Lee Kee-heung added: “Considering the health and safety of the global sports delegates, we took the joint decision to postpone the ANOC General Assembly to 2021. It will be a great pleasure to host the ANOC General Assembly in Seoul in 2021.”