MOSCOW, Apr 7 The World Olympians Association (WOA) is convinced that that decisions on participation in competitions should be made by each athlete individually and based on the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, according to the website of the organization. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the end of February recommended that international sports federations not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions due to situation in Ukraine. A number of international federations have followed this recommendation. The WOA Executive Committee stated that the basic principles of Olympism set out in the Olympic Charter must always be respected, and the right of Olympians and athletes to participate in sporting events as individuals must be supported and encouraged. The decision regarding their participation or non-participation in competitions must be made individually. It is noted that the Executive Board understands and respects the recommendation of the IOC.
