IOC President Thomas Bach took a strong position regarding the Olympic Games at Sochi this year. President Bach is criticizing politicians for who have snubbed the Games.
According to the Associated Press, Bach, who is the President of the International Olympic Committee, used strong words for politicians on Tuesday.
Bach said he rigorously defends the rights of the athletes. According to Reuters, Bach said, "Have the courage to address your disagreements in a peaceful direct political dialogue and not on the backs of the athletes. It is my deepest conviction that this would also be in your well-understood long-term political interest."
He said that sports should not be "used as a stage for political dissent.” Perhaps some of the dissent comes from new laws in Russia that have stirred concerns about human rights. Obama, in a key message against the anti-gay laws, has sent a delegation made up of three openly gay athletes. Obama has given his support to some of the activities that have been going on at the Olympics. The presidents of France and Germany won't be attending the Games.
All of this controversy is occuring with the preparations for the $51-billion dollar Olympic Games that will begin in three days in Sochi.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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