The Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) has pledged 4.5 million birr to go towards the national athletics team after its executive committee members reached an agreement. According to the EAF’s announcement, 211 athletes, recruited for the Olympics team and 56 coaches will each earn 15,000 birr.
The EAF said the decision was made to support athletes as they continue their regular training, while staying at home. In addition, the EAF is also facilitating in providing the required equipment’s for training. It is to be recalled that, the Ethiopian athletics governing body decided that athletes should stay home and train in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), after holding various discussions on whether to postpone the 2020 Olympic Games to a later date, was finally agreed upon. Originally scheduled to take place between July 24 and August 9, 2020, has now been postponed by a year to August 23, 2021.
In this regard, despite being held in 2021, the 32 edition Olympic Games will still be called Tokyo 2020, for marketing and branding purposes. This marks the first time in history that the Olympic Games have been postponed, rather than canceled.
The world athletics governing body said the decision which the IOC has made, will give athletes the time they need to get back into training and into competitions.
“Everyone needs to be flexible, compromise and to that end, we are now working with the organizers of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon on new dates in 2022 for our World Athletics Championships,” The statement read.