By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Canada, one of the four host nations of the 2020 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments released a statement Monday, in support of its Olympic committee’s decision and brought up the ‘likely postponement’ of the OQT that is scheduled to be held in Victoria (June 23-28).
The Canadian Olympic Committee won’t send teams to Tokyo’s Olympics if they are held this year, and Canada Basketball is currently in discussions with FIBA to likely postpone the tournament. Their intention is to hold the tournament “at a time when the health and safety of all athletes, coaches, officials, support staff, volunteers and spectators can be ensured”, as stated in the announcement.
“Our athletes are considered by many to be role models and to put them in an unfair position to ask them to continue training and preparing for the Games sends the wrong message to all Canadians. Basketball, and sport in general, has an ability to bring people together and when it is safe to do so, we will use the power of our game to help heal our communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast”, said Glen Grunwald, President & CEO of Canada Basketball.