IOC President Thomas Bach has expressed "growing concern" at political developments in Ukraine and given $300,000 to help its athletes, according to the AP. The emergency fund will be used for "Ukrainian athletes, through the Ukraine (Olympic Committee), for training and competition purposes." Bach said the IOC "is following the political, economic and social developments in Ukraine with the greatest attention and growing concern" (AP, 5/14). In a statement, Bach said, "The IOC is following the political, economic and social developments in Ukraine with the greatest attention and growing concern. Also the situation of Ukrainian athletes, including those who have so successfully represented their country in the recent Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, which has dramatically deteriorated. For all these reasons I repeat my appeal of Sochi to all political leaders involved to enter into a summit dialogue in the Olympic spirit of mutual respect and peace." He added, "To help the Ukrainian athletes -- wherever they come from in Ukraine and whatever their background -- and to mitigate their difficult situation, the IOC has established an emergency fund of $300,000. This fund is to be used for the benefit of the Ukrainian athletes, through the NOC of Ukraine, for training and competition purposes" (IOC).
