Squash Canada has issued the following statement in reaction to the events unfolding in Ukraine and in alignment with the international and national sport communities:
Squash Canada is horrified by the events of the past week. We condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and flagrant breaking of international law. In solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainian athletes, and the resolutions of the Canadian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee made on February 28th 2022, Squash Canada supports all sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus. Squash Canada therefore joins other sport organizations in barring indefinitely the participation of athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus in any event hosted by the organization, including in the April 2022 Canadian Open in Calgary.
Squash Canada supports the recent decision of the World Squash Federation to relocate the 2022 World Junior Championships which were scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The organization is clear in its sense of fairness not to punish athletes for the decisions of their government if they are not actively participating in them. We are committed to fair competitions for all without discrimination. The current war in Ukraine, however, puts sport in a dilemma. While athletes from Russia and Belarus would be able to continue to participate in sports events, many athletes from Ukraine are prevented from doing so because of the attack on their country.
We are compelled to add our voice and these actions to call for peace and the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.
