WDSF cancels events in Russia and Belarus
In line with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, the World Dance Sport Federation has removed all dance events in Russia and Belarus from its agenda with immediate effect. In addition, the flags of these two countries will no longer be displayed and the national anthems will no longer be played. In his statement, WDSF President Shawn Tay expresses deep concern and sadness about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and wants to stand in solidarity with the people affected by this tragic conflict.
WDSF Statement of 27 February 2022
The World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) announces in its Communique of 27 February 2022 its full support for the recent communiqué of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the breach of the Olympic Truce and the measures requested.
The IOC statement, published on 25 February, reads as follows:
“The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reiterated today the IOC’s strong condemnation of the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian government and the government of Belarus through its support in this. The respective UN resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 2 December 2021 by consensus of all 193 UN Member States. The Olympic Truce began seven days before the start of the Olympic Games, on 4 February 2022, and ends seven days after the closing of the Paralympic Games.
The IOC EB today urges all International Sports Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus. They should take the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian and Belarussian governments into account and give the safety and security of the athletes absolute priority. The IOC itself has no events planned in Russia or Belarus.
In addition, the IOC EB urges that no Russian or Belarussian national flag be displayed and no Russian or Belarussian anthem be played in international sports events which are not already part of the respective World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions for Russia.
At the same time, the IOC EB expresses its full support to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.
The IOC EB expresses its deep concerns about the safety of the members of the Olympic Community in Ukraine and stands in full solidarity. It notes that the special IOC task force is in contact with the Olympic Community in the country to coordinate humanitarian assistance where possible.
The IOC EB asks the task force to continue to closely monitor the situation and to keep the IOC EB informed and updated, also with regard to potential amendments of today’s resolution.”
On behalf of the WDSF, President Shawn Tay expressed his deep concern and sadness at the invasion of Ukraine. “To all Ukrainians and those with ties to Ukraine, our thoughts are with you. The WDSF stands in solidarity with all Ukrainians in this tragic conflict…The WDSF is committed to supporting the dance community in Ukraine in coping with these devastating times.”
In the meantime, no WDSF DanceSport Competitions will be taking place in Russia and Belarus until further notice.
