Joël Bouzou has called for athletes to support their communities during the pandemic ©Getty Images

World Olympians Association (WOA) President Joël Bouzou has called on athletes to take a leading role with society to support people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bouzou acknowledged athletes’ Olympic dreams would be forced to wait, due to the coronavirus crisis forcing the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

In a statement, Bouzou claimed sport was only one part of being an Olympian, calling on athletes to help support other people within their communities during the challenging period.

He claimed athletes could make a big difference to ensure people feel supported and local Government guidance is followed.

“Sport is only one part of what it means to be an Olympian,” he wrote.

“Despite the Games being postponed, the Olympic spirit lives on and burns brightly, which is why we have a responsibility as role models to take a leading role within wider society through helping others.

“Ensuring we all follow our local guidance is a priority, however, where you can, volunteer to help those more vulnerable, organise a group video call with family and friends or simply pick up the phone to a neighbour.

“The smallest actions can make all the difference to someone in need.

“Each individual Olympian can be a real influence in their community and society at large.

“They can be a great help to their Governments and medical experts by amplifying the messages and guidelines which are in place to ensure everyone's safety.”

Sport has largely halted worldwide with countries placed on lockdowns ©Getty Images
Sport has largely halted worldwide with countries placed on lockdowns ©Getty Images

Over 707,000 coronavirus cases have now been reported worldwide, resulting in more than 33,500 deaths.

Several countries have initiated lockdowns in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

Bouzou said that Olympians will also need to take on a role to support communities after the pandemic, pledging that WOA would seek to help.

“As the world unites to heal, a huge amount of work will need to be done to support communities affected across the world," Bouzou said.

“The togetherness and kindness shown to one another during these dark times can be the springboard for us all to make changes, small or great, to create a world we are proud of.

“The WOA already has a network of National Olympians Associations engaging with communities across the world to leave a lasting legacy.

“When the time comes for Tokyo 2020 to be hosted in 2021, let us make it not just a celebration of sport but also of all the collective effort which helped the world get through the COVID-19 pandemic.“