With the postponement of the biggest sporting showpiece in the world, president of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC), Billy Doctrove has described 2020 as a very difficult one for the movement.
Doctrove, who took over the reins of the umbrella organization for most sports on the island in May 2017, made the remark as he delivered his solidarity message to mark Olympic Day 2020, which is being observed on 23rd June yearly.
In his message, the DOC boss paid tribute to sportsmen and women worldwide.
“On this day of the commemoration of Olympic Day 2020, it gives me immense pleasure as the president of the Dominica Olympic Committee to reach out in admiration of sportsmen and women across the globe but in particular, Dominica.
“2020 is proving to be among the most challenging years in the history of the Olympic Movement, if not mankind. This year is an acid test of our metal in the sporting industry. An industry that has possibly been hit the hardest in all industries, but we remain optimistic and can see light at the end of the tunnel,” the former ICC Elite Umpire remarked.
In direct reference to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Doctrove says he is optimistic that all will be well soon.
“We feel depressed and disappointed that the flagship event of the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Games, has been postponed by a year. We are confident that come 2021sports and life, in general, will overcome all adversity that we had to contend with and look forward with anticipation, eagerness, and a sense of hope.
“As we focus on the core values of the Olympic Movement, these are, excellence, friendship, and respect, we ask the sporting fraternity to never ignore those values as we participate in a very competitive environment and always remember to compete in the true spirit of sport. Sport, it is said, has the ability to unite and determine the development of a nation as no other activity can,” he opined.
He added, “Our present forward-thinking executive of the Dominica Olympic Committee, which I have the distinct honor to lead, commit our efforts in chatting the way forward of this organization to sustainable progress despite the many unfortunate challenges that we had to inherit from our predecessors.
“We urge our members and all affiliates to remain positive and continue with your respective preparation so that when the opportunity arises we will all be better placed at showing off our skills at the local, regional and international stage.”
Doctrove has called on sportsmen and women to stay safe by following the protocols re COVID-19.
“Continue to follow the protocols that have been established and implemented by the health authorities as together we ride through the difficult and challenging times. A happy Olympic Day to all our sportsmen and women,” he concluded.
International Olympic Day was introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris. The goal was to promote participation in sport across the globe regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability.