(March 23, 2020 – OTTAWA, ONT.) Wheelchair
Basketball Canada (WBC) praises the Canadian Olympic Committee and
Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) for reaching the extremely difficult
but necessary conclusion to not send athletes to the Tokyo
2020 Games unless they are postponed due to the impact of COVID-19. We
feel this is the right decision, and are proud that Canada has made it
abundantly clear that the health and well-being of people around the
world, including Canadian athletes, is paramount.
We also support the call to postpone the 2020 Games by one year to
protect the health and safety of the global community, including
Canadian athletes. For WBC the safety, health and well-being of our
athletes, staff and extended community will always come first.
Asking athletes to continue to train when daily training environments
are compromised and not available would not only be unsafe and unfair,
but unethical.
In light of COVID-19, the IOC and IPC have indicated that they are
considering all options, including the possibility of postponing the
Games, and are expected to reach a decision in April. Regardless of the
outcome of that decision, we recognize and embrace
the fact that the entire sport community, and indeed the entire global
population, are in this together.
As we continue to navigate these challenging times, WBC would like to
recognize the remarkable leadership demonstrated by our partners,
including the CPC and the Government of Canada. It has been an
exceedingly stressful time for many around the world, including
WBC athletes, staff, and their families.
The unwavering passion and dedication exhibited by our athletes in
particular throughout these extraordinary times cannot be understated.
WBC stands by you. We will continue to work with our partners, and use
everything at our disposal to uphold your best interests
in order to ensure Canadian wheelchair basketball athletes compete at
the Paralympics when the time is right.
About Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Wheelchair Basketball Canada is the national sport governing body
responsible for the organization of the sport in Canada. It is a
non-profit organization that is committed to excellence in the
development, support and promotion of wheelchair basketball programs
and services for all Canadians from grassroots to high performance.
Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, competitive sport
in which Canada is held in high esteem around the world for winning a
combined six gold, one silver, and one bronze medal
in the last seven Paralympic Games. For more information visit wheelchairbasketball.ca
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Media Contact:
Courtney Pollock
Manager, Communications and Brand
Wheelchair Basketball Canada
613-260-1296 ext. 205
cpollock@wheelchairbasketball.ca