Pandemic has boosted Olympic solidarity, says Slovenian official

LJUBLJANA－The COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive effect on the Olympic Movement, according to Borut Kolaric, the head of sports programs with the Olympic Committee of Slovenia.

Citing the ways in which Beijing 2022 organizers have overcome challenges presented by the pandemic, Kolaric believes the Games have instilled a spirit of solidarity among Olympic members.

"It is positive that there is very strong cooperation and understanding between all participants. You cannot carry out such a big event without a positive approach and solidarity," Kolaric told Xinhua on Monday.

Kolaric last visited Beijing in late 2019, a few months before the pandemic started. However, since then he has been able to keep up-to-date on Beijing 2022's progress online, via virtual meetings, photos and videos.

Kolaric believes Beijing's experience in organizing the 2008 Summer Olympics and other large sports events will stand local organizers in good stead, while a lack of experience in snow sports can be overcome with the help of foreign experts.

"We are in constant contact with the organizing committee, as well as with the Slovenian Embassy in Beijing and the Chinese Embassy in Slovenia," said Kolaric, adding that preparations are progressing well even though the situation is fluid and continually presents new challenges.

Athletes are faced with uncertainties and have to adapt to the pandemic situation and virus prevention measures.

"It is more difficult to stay motivated and plan things as there are many uncertainties and athletes have to keep in mind that things can change," Kolaric said.

"Uncertainties at the moment include transport to the Games, health protocols, which have been written down but will continue to change, local transport between the Olympic sites, poor English skills of some personnel, complications in case of possible COVID-19 cases, like determining risky contacts, and ensuring there is sufficient personnel to accompany athletes."

Kolaric said that athletes have become used to competitions without spectators over the past year and a half but do miss the "excitement and emotion" of having fans in the stands. In regard to the restrictions on movement they will have to adhere to inside the bio-secure bubble, he said: "We are preparing athletes to accept that without questioning it and thus focus on their performances."

Kolaric expects organizers will have "a lot of understanding for unpredictable situations and the necessary flexibility to solve them".

He added that Slovenia will send about 45 athletes to the Games to compete in up to seven disciplines. The exact number of Slovenian athletes will be determined after qualification competitions conclude in the middle of January. Kolaric declined to speculate on how many medals Slovenia might win.

Xinhua