The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) has moved its General Assembly next month from Greek capital Athens to the island of Crete.

Athens had been scheduled to stage the key meeting of the 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), but the umbrella body has decided to switch the venue to the Creta Maris Beach Resort.

ANOC officials including secretary general Gunilla Lindberg held an on-site visit to the resort last week.

The dates for the event, moved from South Korea to Athens because of COVID-19 concerns in the Asian country, will remain October 24 to 25 as planned.

ANOC has invited the world’s NOCs to register for the General Assembly, which will also include the ANOC Awards.

“We were impressed by the facilities in Crete and we are confident it will be an excellent General Assembly,” said Lindberg.

“Due to the uncertainties caused by COVID-19 we have less time than usual to prepare. However, the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) and Island of Crete have a lot of experience with international meetings, which will speed up the process and maximise efficiency. We are greatly looking forward to welcoming NOCs to Greece in October.”