MADRID, 10 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and the Olympic Shelter Foundation (ORF) have decided this Friday to donate a total of one million dollars to help the Olympic community in the areas affected by the devastating earthquake that recently devastated Turkey and Syria.
Thus, the IOC and the OCA will give 250,000 dollars each, the EOC will give 250,000 euros, while the ORF will make available an additional amount of 260,000 dollars for immediate emergency aid to the local population and refugees in Turkey.
In this sense, the president of the IOC, Thomas Bach, expressed his concern about the situation in both countries and announced immediate aid. “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake that has struck Turkey and Syria. Unfortunately, several athletes and members of the Olympic community are among the victims, while many others have lost their homes and sports facilities have suffered severe damage,” he said.
“As a result of the talks, we have agreed with the OCA, the COE and the ORF to take immediate action. Our first response emergency aid in Turkey will be channeled through the Olympic Shelter Foundation. In Syria, we will work with international NGOs and agencies that they can access the affected areas. We have learned that the greatest need at this time is for food, medicine and tents,” he added.
Thus, the Olympic Refuge Foundation released the funds for the first year of financing its Solidarity Sports program, one of its largest programs currently underway in Turkey. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Immigrants (ASAM), UNHCR and the Turkish Olympic Committee, the program uses sport to help young refugees feel safe and secure. .
It is being carried out 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. Considering the devastating impact on them, their families and the host community, the ORF contribution, initially intended to support the programme, will now go towards humanitarian assistance, such as providing clothing, blankets, food and shelter.