Olympians in Sochi to be exempt from anti-gay laws
The International Olympic Committee told R-Sport on Friday that it had received "assurances from the highest level" of Russian government that athletes and spectators at next year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi would be exempt from a controversial law banning anything deemed as promoting homosexuality.
Since it was signed into law by President Vladimir Putin last month, the legislation targeting so-called homosexual propaganda has attracted calls from activists around the world to boycott Russia’s first Winter Olympics.
"As a sporting organization, what we can do is to continue to work to ensure that the Games can take place without discrimination against athletes, officials, spectators and the media," the IOC said in an emailed statement.
"To that end, the IOC has received assurances from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation will not affect those attending or taking part in the Games."
Published by exclusive arrangement with ATR’s Sochi 2014 media partner RIA-Novosti.
IAAF launches 1st World Athletics Forum
The International Association of Athletics Federation will hold its first World Athletics Forum on August 7 in Moscow, Russia.
The forum will plan to focus on topics such as the IAAF Strategic Plan, perspectives on the current trends and challenges, and the evolution of partnerships inside and outside of the Olympic Movement.
Representative panelists and speakers, 24 in total, will provide insight into the diverse spectrum of the current state of Athletics.
Additionally, IAAF President Lamine Diack aims to create an environment where participants can share ideas and experiences with counterparts from other delegations.
Cuba-USA Series Strengthens Case for 2020 Olympic Baseball/Softball
The successful Cuba-USA baseball friendship series sparked interest in baseball and softball becoming an official part of the 2020 Olympic Games.
This series marked the first time in over 17 years that the Cuban National Team competed against the USA Collegiate National Team.
Antonio Castro, son of legendary Cuban leader Fidel Castro, commented that the series "reflected the values, ideals and internationalism of the Olympic Movement."
"This friendship series was a celebration of the cultural diversity, of goodwill, respect and all that is excellent in sport, which we absolutely find in the spirit of the Olympic Games," said Castro.
Paul Seiler, USA Baseball CEO and WBSC Executive Board member, agrees with Castro’s comments, adding that baseball would bring Olympic values and traditions to a new generation.
"Baseball and softball can unite citizens across all the borders and boundaries that divide us, as we have seen with this historic Cuba-USA baseball friendly series"
IOC members will decide which sport will be added to the 2020 Olympic Games in early September.
Written by Ed Hula III and Brian Skrzypek
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