China News Service, May 17 (Xinhua) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a memorandum in Geneva, Switzerland on the 16th. Waiting for a healthy lifestyle, thereby improving the health of the whole society, promoting sustainable development, and contributing to the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
IOC official website screenshot
"In the epidemic in the past few months, we have all witnessed how important sports and physical activities are for human physical and mental health, and that sports can save people's lives," said Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee. In the social life after the outbreak, physical health will play a more prominent role in the formulation of public policies, and we will also benefit from the WHO ’s recommendations. "
Bach said that the IOC looks forward to closer cooperation with WHO and called on governments around the world to include sports in the development projects of countries after the epidemic.
Bach also said that in the preparation process for providing a safe environment for all participants during the Tokyo Olympics, the IOC is pleased and grateful for the assistance from WHO and will continue to rely on WHO ’s valuable suggestions.
At a press conference on the 14th, Bach stated that it is still too early to judge that the Tokyo Olympics can be held in 2021, and that he will continue to follow WHO's recommendations on this issue.
WHO Director-General Tan Desai said that he is happy to establish a long-term formal partnership with the International Olympic Committee, "WHO ’s work is not just about diseases, but also helps people achieve the healthiest lifestyles and physical Activity is one of the keys to ensuring good health and tranquility. "(End)