The Andorra National Olympic Committee on Thursday announced that the Games of the Small States of Europe, which they were due to host next year, have now been postponed following a meeting with the country’s authorities.
On Wednesday, the Times of Malta had revealed that the Andorran governing body were set to present a recommendation to the country’s government to call off next year’s week-long sports festival due to “the current economic and sportive situation” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andorra, who has a population of 77,000 people, were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, so far, the microstate which is situated in the Ibernian Peninsula, just a few kilometres away from the Spanish city of Barcelona, has recorded a total of 723 cases.
In Andorra, there are currently 377 active cases and unfortunately 37 people passed away due to the disease.
Andorra Olympic Committee president Jaume Marti confirmed to the Times of Malta that their proposal has now been accepted by the government.
“In the current situation our country finds itself in we believe that postponing the 2021 GSSE was the best course of action,” Marti said.
“In the last few months, Andorra has invested a lot of money for the fight against the coronavirus and we believe that now it’s more important to focus in restoring the country’s economy.
“So, in such scenario, the Games of the States of Europe in Andorra are not a priority right now.
"Added to that we cannot prioritise investment in the infrastructure and event organisation needed for next year’s Games.
"Furthermore, our government will not be able to assist the sports federations involved in the Games as it should, which would represent an inability to ensure preparation needed of our athletes."
For Andorra, the 2021 edition would have been the third time that the microstate on the Iberian Peninsula would have hosted the Games after playing as hosts in 1991 and 2005.
The 2021 Games were due to be held mainly in the capital city of La Vella between May 31 and June 5.
The Andorra NOC president confirmed that they are now planning to apply to host the Games in 2025.
“We are still keen to have the Games of the Small States of Europe in our country,” Marti said.
“The GSSE Bureau will convene again at the end of May and we are planning to ask the other countries to give their approval so that we can stage the Games in 2025. We are confident that our application will be approved.”
Following the postponement of the 2021 GSSE in Andorra, the next edition of the biennial Games will be staged in Malta in 2023.