Perspectives on the Olympics past and present

When the coronavirus pandemic forced Tokyo last year to delay the Summer Olympics to July 2021, organizers kept the Tokyo 2020 name, saying they wanted the event to be seen as a “light at the end of the tunnel.” COVID-19 is still spreading but the games are going ahead, in what would be the biggest world event of the pandemic era. But they are almost certain to look like no other Olympics, with no spectators from abroad and uncertainty as to whether even fans in Japan will be allowed in. Concern is growing that the arrival of tens of thousands of athletes, journalists, officials, and other Games-related staff could trigger a fresh wave of infections, despite reassurances by organizers that they have taken steps to ensure a safe and secure event.

On the other hand, there are the emotions of many of the athletes and coaches who have been preparing their whole lives for this unique opportunity to compete on the largest and most visible sports stage.

Our global panel includes former and current Olympians and journalists to bring us closer to the spirit of the competition, the effort that goes into preparations, and the type of experience they anticipate in Japan.

Speakers:

• Haresh Deol | Co-founder and Editor, Twentytwo13 and Professional Storytellers, Malaysia
• Arlene Limas | Taekwondo Gold Medalist at the Seoul Olympics (1988) | U.S.
• Karim Souchu | 3x3 Basketball Coach, France National Team at the Tokyo Olympics (2021) |France
• Evelyn Watta | Producer, Olympic Channel, Member of the International Olympic Committee Press Commission | Kenya

Click here to register! 

When: 8 July, 10:30 am EST

This webinar is part of World Learning’s International Sports Programming Initiative for Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa Program (ISPI) —Virtual Together program, a series of virtual events, launched in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. ISPI is a program of U.S. Department of State's Sports Diplomacy division.