The participants exchanged their views on the participation in the events of the Forum “Russia – a Sporting Power”, discussed topical issues of the sports and Olympic agenda, as well as the plan of activities within the framework of continued cooperation between the Athletes’ Commissions of the two countries. In addition, during the discussion, the text of a joint statement was agreed upon.
DECLARATION of the ROC Athletes’ Commission and the NOC Belarus Athletes’ Commission
“We, the members of the Athletes’ Commissions of the ROC and the NOC Belarus, expressing the consolidated opinion of the Olympic athletes of our countries, consider it necessary to appeal today to all those who remain committed to the true values of Olympism as a unique sporting, social and cultural phenomenon.
We urge:
- to safeguard the legitimate right of all athletes of the world to perform and represent their countries in all competitions without exception on an equal basis and to strictly adhere in the future to the principles of the Olympic Charter on non-discrimination on any grounds.
- to restore the independence and autonomy of the Olympic movement, not to use it as a tool for political and other external orders, thus opposing Olympism to the original unifying and humanitarian mission of sport.
- to develop the Olympic Movement by joint efforts for the benefit of sport, peace and progress, to stop the harmful practice of categorization of countries and peoples by the principles of loyalty, suitability or financial gain.
- to be guided in any decision-making, first of all, by the interests of athletes, the desire for outstanding performance and healthy and fair competition. Not to replace Olympic principles with the benefit of spur-of-the-moment fashionable trends or tendencies that bring division into the Olympic community and call into question the very idea of Olympism as a universal consolidating force for good”.
