Tokyo: The Tokyo Olympics It will be a different experience with spectators being banned from venues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bacho Friday promised athletes a global digital audience of billions.
on Thursday, Tokyo Games Organizers decided the Olympics would take place without spectators from July 23 to August 8 as a resurgent coronavirus forced Japan to declare a state of emergency in the capital that would last throughout the Games.
Bach said in a video message to athletes from Tokyo, “It was really hard and we all feel sorry for the consequences for you athletes, but also for the spectators.”
“But it was a decision that was necessary to ensure a safe Olympic Games. I hope we can all agree that the most important thing is that the Olympic Games are taking place.”
Without spectators, Japan is now deprived of its hopes for games with fanfare and public spectacle. The government and organizers had long seen the event as an opportunity to showcase the country’s recovery from the devastating 2011 earthquake and nuclear crisis.
Visitors coming from abroad were banned months ago.
The ban on spectators will also result in loss of millions of dollars in revenue to the organizers.
The IOC expects increased visual production from the Games, particularly in Japan and its largest market, the United States, will help limit the damage caused by Thursday’s decision.
“It will be in very different circumstances but you don’t have to feel alone in these stadiums,” Bach said. “Billions of people all over the world will be glued to their screens. I hope you can feel this support.”
The IOC has said the Games will be broadcast to a potential audience of more than 5 billion people globally, with more coverage in both linear TV and digital than any previous Olympic Games by broadcast partners.
“We can expect a great Olympic Games under very special circumstances,” Bach said. “Tokyo is ready, the venues are amazing. Athletes can finally come and focus for the sport, and these are Olympic events.”
The Games were postponed since last year and opinion polls show the Japanese public is concerned about going ahead with them during a pandemic.
In a recent media survey, 35% supported no spectators, 26% wanted some limit and 34% wanted games to be canceled or postponed.
on Thursday, Tokyo Games Organizers decided the Olympics would take place without spectators from July 23 to August 8 as a resurgent coronavirus forced Japan to declare a state of emergency in the capital that would last throughout the Games.
Bach said in a video message to athletes from Tokyo, “It was really hard and we all feel sorry for the consequences for you athletes, but also for the spectators.”
“But it was a decision that was necessary to ensure a safe Olympic Games. I hope we can all agree that the most important thing is that the Olympic Games are taking place.”
Without spectators, Japan is now deprived of its hopes for games with fanfare and public spectacle. The government and organizers had long seen the event as an opportunity to showcase the country’s recovery from the devastating 2011 earthquake and nuclear crisis.
Visitors coming from abroad were banned months ago.
The ban on spectators will also result in loss of millions of dollars in revenue to the organizers.
The IOC expects increased visual production from the Games, particularly in Japan and its largest market, the United States, will help limit the damage caused by Thursday’s decision.
“It will be in very different circumstances but you don’t have to feel alone in these stadiums,” Bach said. “Billions of people all over the world will be glued to their screens. I hope you can feel this support.”
The IOC has said the Games will be broadcast to a potential audience of more than 5 billion people globally, with more coverage in both linear TV and digital than any previous Olympic Games by broadcast partners.
“We can expect a great Olympic Games under very special circumstances,” Bach said. “Tokyo is ready, the venues are amazing. Athletes can finally come and focus for the sport, and these are Olympic events.”
The Games were postponed since last year and opinion polls show the Japanese public is concerned about going ahead with them during a pandemic.
In a recent media survey, 35% supported no spectators, 26% wanted some limit and 34% wanted games to be canceled or postponed.
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