Trevor Mallard
Sport and Recreation Spokesperson

13 August 2013

Government must stand up for athletes’ rights

The Government must condemn Russia’s new anti-gay legislation and move to ensure New Zealand athletes and supporters will be safe during next year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi, Labour’s Sport and Recreation spokesperson Trevor Mallard says.

“Our athletes must not be put at risk by Russia’s discriminatory new laws. Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully, who is also Sport and Recreation Minister, must use New Zealand’s diplomatic channels to make New Zealand’s views clear.

“Contingency arrangements must be put in place for members of the New Zealand Olympic team and their supporters who may be caught up in the enforcement of Russia’s new laws,” Trevor Mallard says.

“The New Zealand Olympic Committee should inform the International Olympic Committee that it expects the sporting body to work with the Russian government to address the concerns of athletes.

“This should be both directly and through the two New Zealanders sitting on the International Olympic Committee,” Trevor Mallard says.

ENDS

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