Announcing the IOC having established a 300,000 US$ emergency fund in support o Ukrainian athletes, IOC President Thomas Bach expressed the IOC’s “growing concern” in view of the political, economic and social developments in Ukraine. “Also the situation of Ukrainian athletes, including those who have so successfully represented their country in the recent Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, which has dramatically deteriorated,” said Bach, repeating his Sochi appeal to the world’s political leaders “to enter into a summit dialogue in the Olympic spirit of mutual respect and peace”. Stating that the 300,000 Dollars fund is to be used for training and competition, Bach emphasized that the money is slated to help all Ukrainian athletes – “wherever they come from in Ukraine and whatever their background…”
This article was republished with permission from Karl-Heinz Huba, the editor and publisher of the Sport Intern.