Russian govt assures IOC no discrimination to take place at Sochi Olympics
MOSCOW. Aug 23 (Interfax/Sport-Express) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has received reassurances of the Russian government that no discrimination will take place at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.
"In his letter Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak underlines that that 'Russia has committed itself to comply strictly with the provisions of the Olympic Charter and its fundamental principles, according to item 6 of which 'any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement'," the IOC posted a statement on its website.
"He adds that 'the Russian Federation guarantees the fulfillment of its obligations before the IOC in its entirety'," the statement said.
Sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless of race, gender, sex and sexual orientation, the IOC said.
"The Games themselves should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and, of course, athletes. We would oppose in the strongest terms any move that would jeopardize this principle," the statement said.