World Sailing supports Russian ban

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is mad. When Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, they broke the Olympic Truce which began seven days before the start on February 4 of the 2022 Olympic Games, and ends seven days after the closing on March 13 of the Paralympic Games.

The Olympic Truce is a tradition originating from ancient Greece that dates back to 776 BC, and is intended to secure safe passage for athletes during the Games and, in the long term, promote the idea of working toward world peace.

But Russia pursued other priorities, and now the IOC is urging all International Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus, and recommends the ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from international competitions.

World Sailing is the International Federation for sailing, and as such governs the sport alongside 146 Member National Authorities. As an Olympic sport, World Sailing is beholden to the wishes of the IOC and has issued this statement:

World Sailing is very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and we are troubled about the safety of our friends in the Ukrainian sailing community.

Sport can be a force for good, bringing competitors from around the world together, united by the values of equality, inclusion, respect and fairness.

World Sailing joins many international sports organizations calling for an immediate end to all hostilities and a resumption of dialogue for a peaceful resolution in place of military action.

There are no World Sailing organized regattas planned to be held in Russia or Belarus in 2022, and the Executive Board are supporting the relocation of training and education events in Russia.

We remain in contact with all our Member National Authorities to offer our support at this incredibly difficult time.