Field Hockey Canada supports the Canadian Olympic Committee’s decision
Field Hockey Canada (FHC) supports and appreciates the leadership of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and its partner organization, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) during this unprecedented time in our global society. Re-thinking the timelines relating to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games is the only sensible and ethical option at this moment.
The Canadian Olympic Committee’s decisive action reminds us of the critical role Canada has across the sporting world. Field Hockey Canada is proud to stand united with all Canadian sport. We recognize that we all have the power to drive positive change and as such, FHC has asked its athletes to be at the forefront of social adherence to the guidelines articulated by the World Health Organization and Canadian and Provincial Health Authorities. Follow their lead and stand down from activity – stay off fields and out of gyms. The health and safety of our athletes, our national field hockey community and our local communities in which we live is of utmost importance at all times. Scott Tupper, captain of the Field Hockey Canada Men’s National Team said that he and the team are proud to stand alongside the COC and Canadian athletes coast-to-coast.
“First and foremost, I’m proud of the COC for being a leader and putting the welfare of Canadian athletes and the general public front of mind in their decision,” Tupper said. “While it’s disappointing that we won’t be attending the Games this summer, we look forward to the prospect of competing in Tokyo at a later date. Hopefully we can get through this pandemic safely, and when appropriate the world will come together to celebrate the Olympic Games.”
With the Canadian Men’s National Team qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games, Field Hockey Canada awaits an announcement from the International Olympic Committee of new timelines for the Games. The Men’s National Team will remain positive and focused towards their Olympic goals. We thank our community for your continued support.
Below is a clipping from the Canadian Olympic Committee announcement. To read full announcement, CLICK HERE
TORONTO (March 22, 2020) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), backed by their Athletes’ Commissions, National Sports Organizations and the Government of Canada, have made the difficult decision to not send Canadian teams to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer of 2020.
The COC and CPC urgently call on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to postpone the Games for one year and we offer them our full support in helping navigate all the complexities that rescheduling the Games will bring. While we recognize the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community.
This is not solely about athlete health – it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games. In fact, it runs counter to the public health advice which we urge all Canadians to follow.
