Open letter to IOC President Thomas Bach

Dear Mr. President,

In light of the events of recent weeks and the intensive discussions on the prospects of the

2020 Olympic Games prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, I want to express complete

support for the decision to postpone the Olympic Games.

This decision was preceded by large-scale analytical work, sound assessment of all "pros"

and "cons", countless consultations and negotiations, complicated by enormous pressure

from advocates for drastic measures.

The most important is that the decision is driven by the concern for health and safety of the

Games participants and guests, as well as interests of the global sports movement, that

needs to be taken care of, needs peace and unity as much as all the humankind does.

I sincerely hope that the Games will take place within the first half of 2021 and will become

a major sports and global event sending a strong message of solidarity and unity of the

Olympic Family and the true strength of Olympic values that can change the world for the

better and put an end to conflicts, antagonism and division of any kind and origin.

Dear Mr. President, in these times of volatility and turbulence, I wish all members of the

Olympic Family under your leadership health, resilience and confidence that with our

efforts united we will overcome any challenges.

The Russian Olympic Committee will continue preparations for participation in the Games

of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo in this new environment and will keep doing everything we

can to provide feasible support to resolve any issues relevant for the Olympic family.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov

ROC President

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