The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) “Strongly condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine”. In a joint written statement, DOSB President Thomas Weikert and DBS President Friedhelm Julius Beucher recommend “Suspend our affiliates from participating in competitions and training in Russia and the war zones“. In addition, the two top sports associations call on Russia to “cease the acts of war”.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has “emphatically” breach of the Olympic Truce “by the Russian government” sentenced. The IOC is “deeply concerned” about the safety of the Olympic community in Ukraine, the umbrella organization announced. Therefore, a working group was convened to monitor the situation, which should also coordinate humanitarian aid for athletes and sports officials in Ukraine.
The Olympic truce began on January 28, seven days before the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Games, and will end on March 20, a week after the conclusion of the Paralympics in China. All 193 UN members passed the resolution on the Olympic Truce on December 2nd. The Olympic truce goes back to a 3,000-year-old tradition in ancient Olympia.
Paralympics are scheduled to start on March 4th
IOC chief Thomas Bach reiterated his call for peace, the statement said. But otherwise the German did not express himself as clearly as many would have hoped. Since his election as IOC President in 2013, Bach had never been able to bring himself to take a hard line against Russia, for example after the doping scandals surrounding the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
In his speech at the opening of the Beijing Games, the former fencer quoted John Lennon “give peace a chance” (Give Peace a Chance) is used. At the end of the Winter Games, Bach asked the top politicians all over the world to follow the example of solidarity and peace among the Olympians.
Eight years after the invasion of Crimea, once again, just after the end of the Olympic Games and just before the start of the Paralympic Games, there will be another attack on arms and the Olympic truce will be broken, the statement said. The Winter Games in Beijing ended last Sunday. Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the guests at the opening ceremony. The Paralympics begin on March 4 in the Chinese capital.
DBS boss Beucher considers penalties for Russia to be “imperative”
DBS President Beucher has also called for penalties for the Russian team at the Paralympics. “I think it is imperative that Russia must be sanctioned for its actions with the penalties provided for such cases.”he told the sid.
He will seek talks with the President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, on the joint flight to Beijing on Friday (25 February 2022). Advance through the attack of Russia “a sad spotlight on these Paralympic Games”.
German Football League: “War incompatible with values of sport”
The German Football League also condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine “in the strongest possible terms”. “War in any form is unacceptable – and incompatible with our values of sport”said the DFL via Twitter. “Our concern is for the affected people on site.” The DFL is in contact with the national and international associations on this matter, it said.
Source: dpa/sid/red