Alfred Foloko
MATHEWS NDANDULA writes
THERE is nothing that can cause the Olympic Family to fail and athletes should be continue preparing and shines as an example as the countdown to the global event commences, National Olympic Committee of Zambia president Alfred Foloko has said.
In a statement to commemorate the scheduled start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and one year countdown to the postponed event, the Olympics Committee boss has made a rallying call to sports enthusiasts to remain united as the world faces the fall out of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Ever since the historical decision to postpone the Summer Games in Japan took effect, due to the global coronavirus pandemic, not all hope is lost especially for our athletes. Therefore, let this crisis help us be transformed into an asset to spotlight our values of solidarity which have always shaped our Olympic existence,” he said.
Foloko has called on athletes to use the power of sports to look ahead with confidence to the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021 as a moment of solidarity and proof of the resilience of humankind.
“Since athletes are among our best role models in our society and given the challenges we have at hand, let me take this opportunity to urge you all ‘athletes’ to continue preparing for these Olympic Games without ceasing until such a time so that once we are over these unprecedented times and the Olympic flame calls you will be able to perform at your level best,” he said.
“No obstacle, be it health related or otherwise can prevent us from touching the Holy Grail of the Olympic and World Sports Movement, we can only stand strong and determined in seeing to it that together we are stronger, together we shall overcome. In the meantime, please stay strong, stay active ,stay healthy.”
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
