The Canadian NOC supported the IOC’s position on the neutral status of the Russians

Moscow, February 3 – The President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, David Shoemaker, welcomed the study of the possibility of participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international tournaments in a neutral position.

On January 25, the IOC Executive Committee called for the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions in a neutral position, while suggesting that athletes who actively supported the special operation not be allowed into Ukraine.

“We are open to exploring the possibility of including neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus who at least meet the conditions set out by the IOC Executive Board in a statement dated January 25, 2023,” said the Canadian Olympic Committee president.

In February 2022, the International Olympic Committee recommended that international sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing due to the situation in Ukraine. A number of international federations followed the recommendation, and others allowed athletes in a neutral position.