LJUBLJANA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 epidemic has put a strain on organizing the Beijing Olympic Games in February but has had a positive effect on the Olympic movement at the same time, said Borut Kolaric, the head of top sports programs at the Olympic Committee of Slovenia.
"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 said that he had visited Beijing for the last time in 2019, a few months before the epidemic started, while he has since then followed the sites of the Games through virtual meetings, photos and videos.
According to Kolaric, the Chinese organizing committee has experience from the 2008 Games and other large sports events, while a lack of experience in snow sports will be overcome with the help of overseas 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 although the situation is changing quickly and presents new challenges all the time.
Athletes are faced with uncertainties and have to adapt to the virus and epidemic control measures while taking care for themselves and others. "It is more difficult to keep motivation and plan things as there are many uncertainties and they 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, ensuring sufficient number of personnel that will accompany sportsmen," he added.
Kolaric said that athletes have become used to competitions without spectators over the past year and a half but do miss "excitement and emotions" of spectators on the site. They are also used to living in separated bubbles. Kolaric pointed out that movement during the Games will be limited to approved destinations, meaning athletes will have very limited outside contact during the event.
"We are preparing athletes to accept that without questioning it and thus focus on their performances."
Kolaric added that he expected organisers will have "a lot of understanding for unpredictable situations and the necessary flexibility to solve them".
Kolaric said Slovenia will send about 45 athletes to the Games to compete in up to seven disciplines. The exact number will be determined after qualifications end in the middle of January, though he declined to speculate on how many medals Slovenia's athletes might win. Enditem
