The Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO) says it is supportive of the position of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with respect to the ongoing war in Ukraine as the invasion by Russia of Ukraine is an attack on the Olympic Truce.
As a result, the organization said that it will support the decision to prohibit Russia and Belarus athletes from international competitions.
“The Pan American Sports Organization, Panam Sports, as the leader of the Olympic Movement of the Americas, condemns the war that is taking place in Ukraine,” the organisation stated in a press release.
The organisation added that it will “recommend our athletes and officials not to take part in sporting events organized by these two countries.”
According to PASO, the invasion of Ukraine is a violation of the Olympic Charter.
“The invasion of Ukraine is undoubtedly an attack on the Olympic Truce and represents yet another violation of the Olympic Charter by the Russian government,” the release stated.
Paso said no athletes from the two countries will be allowed to compete in the Americas.
“As a result, Panam Sports has decided not to accept the participation of any representative from Russia and Belarus in sports competitions held on our continent and in turn invites all of the organization’s Olympic Committee members and the Pan American Sports Confederations to support this decision by the IOC to condemn the war started by Russia,” it added.
“In doing so we show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their struggle for sovereignty and independence.
“Panam Sports will always be against any war or conflict in the world, faithfully believing that dialogue and understanding between nations is the best way to achieve peace,” the release ended.
