SportAccord 2020 In Beijing Postponed, Contingency Options Being Discussed
February 13, 2020
SportAccord has confirmed that the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2020 will not take place in Beijing due to the Coronavirus outbreak in China.
Raffaele Chiulli, President SportAccord, said: “In the past few weeks, we have been following the development of the epidemic closely. The Chinese Government has taken effective efforts, unprecedented measures and all possible resources to combat the epidemic. We do believe that the Chinese Government and people in China have the capabilities to have the final win of the war against the virus.”
“SportAccord has developed a mutual and respectful working relationship with the Local Organising Committee, which has displayed outstanding professionalism at all times during the excellent preparations for SportAccord 2020 in Beijing. We had no doubt that our hosts would deliver an exceptional SportAccord and we are grateful to Beijing for the support and all the efforts it has made for preparing SportAccord 2020.”
“SportAccord 2020 brings nearly 2,000 delegates together worldwide. In addition to that, a significant number of participating countries, organisations, companies and institutions to put on exhibitions during the event. Considering the epidemic in China and around the world and taking into account the various factors of such force majeure situation and through consultation with the SportAccord 2020 Local Organizing Committee, we have reached a difficult decision that SportAccord 2020 will not take place in Beijing. We will continue to collaborate with Beijing and China to promote the healthy development of the international sport community. We apologize for any inconvenience thus caused for International Sports Federations, registered partners, exhibitors and delegates concerned.”
SportAccord is now exploring contingency options for relocating the World Sport & Business Summit 2020 so that it can still take place from 19-24 April 2020.
Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, said: “The Local Organizing Committee for SportAccord 2020 in Beijing has been a trusted partner during preparations for the event and has shown excellence throughout the entire planning process.”
Partners, exhibitors and delegates who had registered to attend the event in Beijing will be contacted shortly with updates and further information regarding the next steps for SportAccord 2020.
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