ICSD closely monitors situation on novel coronavirus spread in view of the 2020 ICSD-sanctioned events

LAUSANNE, March 03, 2020. International Committee of Sports for the Deaf is closely monitoring the developments regarding the coronavirus global outbreak.

At least one member country, Italy, has officially requested postponing the World Deaf Volleyball Championships to be held in Chianciano Terme, Italy on 02-11 July 2020 to the year of 2021. In ensuring the compliance with the World Deaf Championships Regulations, ICSD is now working feverishly to find another member country to replace Italy later this year.

For other World Championships (e.g. World Deaf Judo Championships in France in April 2020, Table Tennis in Austria and Shooting in Switzerland in June), ICSD will monitor the Coronavirus situation closely.  

By the way, the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan will still be held this summer from 24 July to 9 August 2020, according to IOC President Thomas BACH (see link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/02/26/sports-events-coronavirus/) but to what extent is still to be determined.

The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.

The ICSD Executive Board and ICSD Secretariat are closely and continually monitoring on any update from various sources then will have the upcoming Board meeting in April 2020 and they will discuss and try to decide whether or not to continue the World Championships at least two months before the Championships are to be held. ICSD will work closely with technical directors and Host countries on the Coronavirus situation in order to make determinations.

Once again, ICSD is monitoring the Coronavirus situation closely.