“As an international organisation of diverse members bound by friendship through sport, we fully embrace this historic moment that the world is witnessing – an unprecedented desire to understand and correct systemic racism, discrimination and injustice that peoples and communities continually face around the world.

This reality is not isolated to any one location or country -- biases that are sometimes overt, sometimes unconscious, but nevertheless embedded in all societies. It is no longer sufficient to simply acknowledge that this injustice exists, as to do so without action simply perpetuates the inequity. 

Now is the time to recognise our own biases and work towards bringing real solutions to these inequities. We have zero tolerance for racism or discrimination of any kind.  

And while we do not have many of the answers that are necessary, we urge everyone, including all our members to educate themselves, listen to those who have been impacted by discrimination, and encourage people to give voice to their lived experiences.  

We hope this moment of awakening serves as a catalyst for real change to unite us all, bringing real hope for a better and just society for the future.” 

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The International Olympic Academy Participants Association represents over 1,100 alumni worldwide who have attended an official session of the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece. IOAPA’s aim is to foster an international and multicultural fellowship of past participants, providing tools and resources to facilitate Olympic education and support Olympism worldwide.

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For more information, please contact us at info@ioapa.org