The IOC stated that its primary objective is to help athletes from Ukraine continue their training and participation in international competitions.
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Ukrainian Sports Minister and National Olympic Committee President Vadym Gutzeit has expressed doubt about the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) claim that its Solidarity Fund has supported around 3,000 athletes and coaches from Ukraine. The IOC has stated that the Solidarity Fund, which amounts to $7.5 million, is being used to allow Ukrainian athletes to train and compete at major events. The IOC has also emphasized its support for Ukraine and its goal to feature a strong team from the country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Vadym Gutzeit, on the other hand, has questioned the scope of the IOC’s support, claiming that the true number of athletes who have benefited from the Solidarity Fund may be far lower than 3,000. He mentioned that the federation and athletes training for tournaments received between $1.5 million and $2 million from the Solidarity Fund. 3,000 athletes would likely require more support, according to Gutzeit, who noted that it was difficult to predict.
More than 115 requests for assistance for the Ukrainian Olympic community have reportedly been granted, according to the IOC. The IOC gave instances such as the Ukrainian athletes competing and winning at the World Paralympic Table Tennis Championships in November and the Wrestling World Cup in the United States in December. The International Olympic Committee’s Solidarity Fund was established to assist National Olympic Committees and athletes who are having financial difficulties. The Fund was founded in 1961 and has subsequently given money to other nations and athletes. A portion of the Olympic Games’ revenue serves as the Fund’s funding source.
The IOC stated that its primary objective is to help athletes from Ukraine continue their training and participation in international competitions. The International Olympic Committee also hopes that its support will help Ukraine develop a strong team for future Olympic Games. The IOC has emphasized that it is committed to supporting Ukraine and will continue to work closely with the NOCU to ensure that its athletes receive the necessary support.
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Since the IOC declared intentions to investigate a route for the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions, hostilities between the IOC and the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOCU) have been worse. The NOCU has voiced objection to these proposals and even hinted that it would boycott the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris if Russia and Belarus participate under any flag. Such a boycott would be against the Olympic Charter, the IOC has warned.
The NOCU praised the Solidarity Fund’s assistance but highlighted that more must be done to aid Ukrainian athletes. To assist athletes in preparing for significant international contests, the Ukraine National Committee has requested more financial assistance. The NOCU has also attacked the IOC for its intentions to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in international competitions, contending that doing so would go against the values of fair play and be harmful to the security and welfare of Ukrainian athletes.
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