Jamaica’s sports minister Olivia Grange believes that the decision to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will provide the clarity the athletes needed even though they will be disappointed.

 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the organisers in Tokyo released a joint statement on Tuesday revealing their decision to postpone the Olympics until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

 The virus has infected more than 400,000 across the globe and has killed approximately 19,000. It is against that background that the Games were postponed as the health and safety of the athletes and spectators were on paramount importance.

 Minister Grange, who oversees Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, said the country welcomed the decision.

 “We have received confirmation from the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government that the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed.  We accept this decision and we think it is a good move,” she said.

 “For one thing, it provides well-needed clarity for our athletes.

It is difficult to prepare for international competition in the best of times, so we can imagine how much more difficult it has been for them during this time of uncertainty.”

 The minister said the government had committed to providing stipends for athletes while they train for the Games under the Athlete Assistance Programme. 

However; “We will pay the sums up to the end of March as our athletes put their training programmes on hold,” she said.

“I know the disappointment that athletes feel, but I know they understand the reasons for the postponement.  

“We look forward to them resuming training and representing Jamaica with distinction when it is safe to do so.  At that time the Games will also be a celebration of humanity’s triumph over this virus.”

She encouraged the athletes to take steps to keep themselves safe by practising social distancing and washing their hands regularly with soap and water.