By Uzor Odigbo
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially reacted to postponment of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by the international Olympics Committee, describing it as necessary and timely.
In a press release on Tuesday, its president, Olamide George, said, “The Athletics Federation of Nigeria welcomes the decision by the IOC to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”
According to him, “It is a necessary decision considering the tragedy that has befallen the world following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic which has impacted on the freedom and health of people worldwide.”
The statement further said the coronavirus pandemic was rapidly evolving and only the living can train and hope to participate in international competitions including the Olympic Games.
“The AFN thus enjoins all our athletes and indeed sports men and women the world over including those with medical conditions to use basic World Health Organisation infection prevention guidelines outlined as follows:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
“If you haven’t done so, it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine. Let us all join hands together to fight and defeat this pandemic so that the world can be free again.”
