Category: ethics

IOC takes further action on Russia

The Olympic Movement is united in its mission to contribute to peace through sport …

At the same time, the Olympic Movement is united in its sense of fairness not to punish athletes for the decisions of their government …

The current war in Ukraine, however, puts the Olympic Movement in a dilemma. While athletes from Russia and Belarus would be able to continue to participate in sports events, many athletes from Ukraine are prevented from doing so because of the attack on their country. …

… with a heavy heart, issued the following resolution:

… recommends that International Sports Federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions. …

… decision to withdraw the Olympic Order from all persons who currently have an important function in the government of the Russian Federation or other government-related high-ranking position, including the following:

  1. Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation (Gold, 2001)
  2. Mr Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation (Gold, 2014)
  3. Mr Dmitry Kozak, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office (Gold, 2014)

… The IOC admires and supports in particular the calls for peace by Russian athletes.

IOC EB recommends no participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials

Brandon Rhode – Gay at West Point

#progress

… Not too long ago I could not be openly gay in the military without facing consequences.

You could call that societal progress, but I would call it ridding the world of ignorance. …

Gay, Black gymnast finds he can be himself at West Point

update on Russian & Ukrainian gymnasts

Luba is our best source for what’s happening with some of the best gymnasts in the world.

Read her February 20, 2022 update.

WAR IN UKRAINE AND ITS EFFECTS ON GYMNASTICS

FIG sanctions Russia

While it’s a shame Russian athletes must suffer, IOC and FIG are right to take action against de facto dictators invading other nations.

  • The Russian and Belarussian national flags must not be displayed, and the Russian and Belarussian anthems must not be played at any FIG-sanctioned events until further notice.
  • All FIG-sanctioned events planned to take place in Russia and Belarus are removed from the FIG calendar and will no longer be recognised by the FIG. No other events taking place in Russia and Belarus will be sanctioned by the FIG until further notice.

President Morinari Watanabe:

“Our thoughts go to the members of the Gymnastics community in Ukraine. Sport is friendship and solidarity. We must show solidarity with the members of our family who are in despair and offer them a helping hand to ensure their future.”

The FIG will ask the FIG Foundation for Solidarity to allocate special aid to support Ukrainian athletes and other members of the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation hit by the war.

FIG

IOC – move Events out of Russia

IOC Executive Board urges all International Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus.

IOC strongly condemns the breach of the Olympic Truce

Commonwealth Games – podium protests permitted

  • Medallists can show support for Black Lives Matter and LGBT+
  • Protests subject to guidelines as hate gestures are forbidden

The 4,500 athletes expected in Birmingham this summer will also be permitted to wear clothing, armbands and badges on the podium to support social justice causes under radical new “guiding principles” for athlete advocacy due to be announced on Tuesday. …

Guardian

I’d call this radical — but progress. Homosexuality is still illegal in 36 of the 72 nations that will compete in Birmingham, for example. That should change sooner than later.

Tommie Smith and John Carlos 1968 Olympics – protesting racial injustice in America

preventing teen suicide

Ian took his own life at age-14.

His family wants to offer options for any kids who might feel depressed at times.

The Live Hard Movement is dedicated to providing love and light within the darkness of those affected by the depth of depression and suicide.

Live Hard was of the Charities being promoted at this year’s Charity Choice Invitational in Washington State.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

USAG streaming service – FlipNow

Though I never paid for FloGymnastics, at first glance this looks tempting. It’s available worldwide, unlike many of the NCAA streams.

First up is February 24-27: Winter Cup**, Elite Team Cup, Nastia Liukin Cup** (men’s and women’s artistic).

BUT — I’ll want to see what percentage of revenue actually gets to the athletes first.

FlipNow monthly subscriptions are available for $9.99 …

USA Gymnastics members will receive a 25% discount off the basic annual rate, with members making a one-time payment of $74.99 ($6.24/month).

Non-members’ annual subscription rate is a one-time payment of $99.99 ($8.33/month).

Proceeds benefit USA Gymnastics’ athlete support programs, including direct athlete financial support, travel, medical, mental health services, National Team camps and other programs. …

Inside Gymnastics