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AS SPORTING bodies worldwide voiced their condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) has supported the decision to alienate the country from athletics.
In a statement released yesterday, NACAC said that Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine, which resulted in last Thursday’s invasion, was inexcusable, disrespecting the values which sport represents.
“NACAC acknowledges that genuine leadership requires of us the airing of our condemnation of a government that has shown a complete lack of respect for peace and international understanding, two of the most fundamental principles for which sport exists. As the world’s leading sport for individuals, the entire athletics fraternity must be unified in this condemnation and ensure that there is no room for Russia to manoeuvre in sport to achieve its government’s ugly and most despicable aggression against Ukraine,” the statement read.
SANCTIONS
Russia’s alienation from the sporting world continued as World Athletics, yesterday, barred athletes, support personnel and officials from both Russia and Belarus from all World Athletics events for the foreseeable future, including this year’s World Championships. Belarus was included in the sanctions because of their role in facilitating the invasion. Additionally, FIFA and UEFA have suspended Russian football clubs and national teams from all competitions until further notice, eliminating them from this year’s World Cup and the 2022 European Women’s Championships.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said that while sanctions against the athletes are not ideal, the actions of various governments across all sectors on Russia meant that sport had to mount an appropriate response.
“Anyone who knows me will understand that imposing sanctions on athletes because of the actions of their government goes against the grain. I have railed against the practice of politicians targeting athletes and sport to make political points when other sectors continue about their business. This is different, as governments, business and other international organisations have imposed sanctions and measures against Russia across all sectors,” Coe said.
“Sport has to step up and join these efforts to end this war and restore peace. We cannot and should not sit this one out.”
Noting Russia’s continued sanctions relating to doping, NACAC said that it supports the athletes in condemning Russia’s actions.
“As a member of World Athletics, NACAC has been a party to all Congress decisions to impose sanctions on Russia for the numerous infractions of the organisation’s competition rules and failure to satisfy all conditions required for a return to full participation in its global events. We understand only too well the evidence of state-sponsored doping that has characterised the Russian athletics programme,” the statement continued.
“NACAC is extremely proud that the athletes of the world have let their voices join those of millions around who vehemently reject the Russian invasion and its seeming disregard for all norms of democracy and international law.”
daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com
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