The NZOC and the NZOC Athletes’ Commission are joining the IOC as it calls for the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from all international sporting competition.
NZOC President Mike Stanley says the actions of the Russian state are unconscionable, and the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes is a necessary response to these unprecedented circumstances.
“We stand with Ukraine at this time and ask urge our Olympic family around the world, including those in Russia and Belarus, to join the international calls for peace.”
NZOC Athlete’s Commission Chair Sarah Cowley Ross added, “Ukraine is a proud sporting nation and their athletes compete regularly alongside New Zealanders.”
“We are horrified by the events taking place in Ukraine. Athletes that we’ve competed against on the field of play are now taking up arms to protect their nation. The New Zealand Team sends aroha and calls for peace.”
The NZOC has written to the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee, expressing our support for the people of Ukraine and their athletes.
We are working with NSOs to understand the impact the invasion, and the sporting world’s response, will have on New Zealand’s athletes.
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