Team Kenya’s pre-Olympic training camp that was to be held in Kurume City, Japan has been cancelled due to surging Coronavirus cases in the country.
Officials from the City informed the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) about the latest development on Wednesday.
In a statement sent to NOC-K, the officials singled out the rapid spread of infections since April as the main factor that led to the decision.
“COVID-19 infections have rapidly spread in Kurume since mid-April and the situation has been recognized as critical. For instance, on some days the number of positive cases per 100,000 people has risen to several times the number in Tokyo and Osaka. In addition, the nationwide spread of infection did not subside even in May, and in Fukuoka Prefecture the number of new infections and the number of hospitalized patients both have reached a record high,” a statement from Kurume City Officials read.
The City further communicated that the sports facilities that were scheduled to be used for the pre-Games training camps are being utilized as vaccination centers.
The news comes as a huge blow to Team Kenya who are already seeking for an alternative host.
Kenya had signed an MOU with Kurume City, to be hosted for 12 days, under full sponsorship for their stay, including accommodation, local travel in Japan, training venues and meals for the entire delegation.