By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH there are some concerns surrounding the postponed 2020 Olympic Games, Bahamas Olympic Committee president Romell Knowles said all systems are go for Team Bahamas.

The games, postponed from last year because of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, has been rescheduled for July 23 to August 8 in Tokyo, Japan.

Knowles said the BOC is working diligently to prepare Team Bahamas for the biggest stage of sports on the planet and he wanted to assure corporate Bahamas that they can come on board as sponsors for the athletes.

“As a result of once-in-a-lifetime events, we are facing unprecedented times in the sporting world,” Knowles said. “As the world fights to overcome the challenges of COVID-19, we have seen the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games.

“However, from all indications, the time is now at hand. Other than in the face of war, there has never been a cancellation of Olympic Games, and it appears that athletes will finally have their chance to compete again on the Olympic stage this year.”

Knowles said there is a reinvigorated resolve on the part of the International Olympic Committee and on behalf of the local organising committee in Japan to stage the four-yearly games, which is expected to feature more than 30 different sporting disciplines.

“Considering the steady, though slow, pace of preparation, the Bahamas Olympic Committee urges all our Olympic athletes and aspiring Olympic athletes to remain ready for Tokyo,” Knowles said.

“We understand the hardships that you, as athletes, have endured. We also acknowledge that many athletes around the world face similar difficulties. “But we encourage you to maintain the best possible physical and mental health going into Tokyo, knowing that the athlete who manages COVID-19 obstacles best is the athlete who stands the best chance of success,” he added.

Knowles revealed that while the planning and preparation progress for the Games continue, the BOC is bound to have several revisions of processes and procedures. “We ask our athletes to remain patient and flexible,” he said. “Above all, try not to be overtaken by worrying and a preoccupation with these inevitable changes.”

The BOC has already selected Cora Hepburn, one of its vice presidents, as the first female to serve as the chef de mission for Team Bahamas.

Knowles also revealed that the executives of the BOC will work constantly to ensure all arrangements are in place for the athletes and officials’ orderly travel to the Games and participation at the events.

“It is our task to shoulder this burden on your behalf so that you may concentrate on your sporting performance,” he summed up.

So far, athletes have qualified from track and field and swimming to compete in the games. The BOC is expected to ratify the team that could possibly have competitors from boxing, judo and tennis.