The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committee issued a joint statement on Sunday notifying the International Olympic Committee of their withdraw from this year's Summer Games.
The committees say it isn't safe for their athletes to compete in the Olympics because of the coronavirus.
Instead, both committees are calling on the IOC to delay the Games by at least a year.
"This is not solely about athlete health -- it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games."
According to IOC President Thomas Bach, the committee will enter a four week consultation period to determine the future of this year's Olympics.
Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been calling for the Games to proceed as planned despite the country recording over a thousand cases of Covid-19, saying, "the human race will conquer the new coronavirus."
As of now, the Tokyo Summer Olympics is scheduled to take place on July 24 and the Paralympics, August 25.
By Niza Nondo
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