He International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced this Friday that the Olympic Movement will contribute a Money preparation $1 million to help the Olympic community, refugees and displaced people in disaster-affected areas Earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Both the IOC and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) will contribute $250,000 each; the European Olympic Committees (EOC) will provide another $250,000 and the Olympic Refugee Foundation (ORF) will make an additional $260,000 available for immediate emergency assistance to the local population and refugees in Türkiye.
The president of the IOC, the German Thomas Bach, expressed his sorrow for the “tragic loss of human life and the destruction caused by the earthquake that shook the southeastern region of Turkey and Syria” and confirmed that he had spoken with the heads of the Olympic committees of both countries regarding the impact of the earthquake on many members of the Olympic community.
“Unfortunately, there were several athletes and members of the Olympic community among the victims and many others were displaced and sports infrastructure suffered severe damage. We discussed the best way to support members of the Olympic community. As a result of the talks, we have agreed to take immediate action,” he said.
Bach explained that “first responder emergency aid in Turkey will go through the Olympic Refugee Foundation and its partners on the ground.”
“In Syria, we will work with international NGOs and UN agencies that can access the affected areas. We learned that the greatest need at this time is for food, medicine and tents,” he said.
The IOC noted that the Olympic Refugee Foundation immediately released funds for the first year of funding for its Solidarity Sport program, one of its largest programs currently underway in Turkey.
Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Immigrants (ASAM), UNHCR and the Turkish Olympic Committee, the program uses sport to help young refugees and asylum seekers feel safe and secure, while building relationships. in their local communities.
It is taking place in seven of the most populous cities in Turkey, including the areas most affected by the earthquake (Mersin, Sanliurfa and Adana), where there is also a large population of Syrian refugees.
Because of the devastating impact on them, their families and the host community, the Foundation’s contribution that was initially intended to support the program will now go to humanitarian assistance, such as providing clothes, blankets, food and shelter, said the IOC.
Source: La Verdad
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