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G7 leaders back “safe and secure” Olympics
The leaders of the world’s wealthiest nations say they support the Tokyo Games being held this year.
In a communique issued at the conclusion of the G7 Summit, the leaders stated [we] “reiterate our support for the holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in a safe and secure manner as a symbol of global unity in overcoming COVID-19”.
This is exactly the sort of endorsement Japan had been seeking from fellow G7 nations, given the considerable opposition to the games taking place.
Host city Tokyo remains under a state of emergency, as the Asian country battles a fourth wave of infections.
Despite this, the IOC has been determined to proceed with the major sporting event.
“Great encouragement”
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has welcomed the G7 endorsement, telling reporters that he “won very strong support from all the leaders” and “as the Prime Minister of the host country, I was very heartened by such support”.
IOC President Thomas Bach has also welcomed the high level display of public support from G7 nations.
In a meeting with Yoshihide Suga on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, US President Joe Biden backed the Games going ahead.
“President Biden affirmed his support for the Tokyo Olympic Games moving forward with all public health measures necessary to protect athletes, staff and spectators,” a White House statement said.
“President Biden expressed pride in the US athletes who have trained for the Tokyo Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit.”
The US State Department last week eased an advisory that had warned U.S. citizens not to travel to Japan, due to the COVID-19 surge in the Asian nation.
The latest advice is for US citizens to “reconsider travel”.