Since the decision of postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games were announced, we have been exploring the possibility of holding the World Masters Games 2021 Kansai in May 2021 as originally scheduled up until today, with the assumption that the situation of the new Coronavirus infectious disease to be under control.
The sequence of consideration up until today
Under the circumstances of many sporting events being cancelled, athletes and sports enthusiasts were looking forward to the Games holding. We are eager to meet these expectations, therefore we requested expert’s advice in order to hold the Games as scheduled under the severe infection circumstances. As a result, we have reached the conclusion that the competition are able to be conducted by fulfilling two conditions, one complete measure against the new coronavirus infectious disease and two ease the restriction of immigration regulations. We expect that those two conditions are able to be realized.
Challenges in case of holding the Games in May 2021
At this time, it is not possible to determine whether we are able to establish a system which we can be operated with confidence. In addition, even if the system has been established, there is a possibility that we must impose severe restrictions on the participants, and that will create conflict with the philosophy of the World Masters Games ①Sports enthusiasts will gather from all over the world and enjoy lifelong sports, ②to enjoy interaction between participants and local residents, ③participants enjoy tourism with family and friends.
Decision on postponement
In light of the above, we have been conducting much careful discussions with host municipalities, co-organisers, NFs, sponsors and International Masters Games Association (IMGA).As a result, we held an Organising Committee’s board meeting on October 28, and reached the conclusion of postponement policy; to postpone the Games to the time which we believe it would be the most practical time to hold the Games. We will propose that to the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) at its General Assembly held on November 4th.
Initiatives for the Future
We apologise for any inconvenience which may cause to more than 14,000 participants who have already registered to the Games, however above all, we will make a decision on the necessary matters as promptly as possible in order to respond with full consideration to those participating in the Games. In addition, we would like to make our best effort to resolve various challenges in cooperation with the host municipalities, NFs, and sponsors who have worked hard to prepare for the Games.
In response to the expectations of sports enthusiasts around the world, we will make our best effort to achieve the success of the festival of “do” sports, which will connect the legacy of the Games to the spread of lifelong sports.
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation
The Organising Committee of the World Masters Games 2021 Kansai
President Toshizo IDO
President Masayoshi MATSUMOTO
For those that have already registered to participate in the Games.
