AthletesCAN – In light of recent political events in the United States, AthletesCAN recognizes that many Canadian athletes could face additional challenges travelling to events in the United States. We applaud the courage of one such athlete, long-distance runner Mohammed Ahmed, for sharing his past experiences and current thoughts on President Trump’s executive order. As Mohammed highlights in his statement, the complete banning of an entire group of people does little but ostracize those victims of extremism who are in need of protection.

The sentiments fueling this executive order are in direct conflict with AthletesCAN’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We subscribe to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Access in which every individual or group of individuals must enjoy the same rights and opportunities. We strongly feel the spirit of sport incorporates, by necessity, a fair playing field where everyone has an equal chance at winning. Policies which limit accessibility to participation in sport in turn inhibit the multiplicity and inclusivity integral to sport and thus have no place in our World.

Consequently, AthletesCAN would like to extend our solidarity and heartfelt support to any Canadian athlete affected by the travel ban by helping direct them to immigration law experts who are engaged in providing advocacy for the many Canadians impacted by this executive order. See below for contact information.

AthletesCAN is the association of Canada’s national team athletes. It is the only fully independent and most inclusive athlete organization in the country and the first organization of its kind in the world.  As the collective voice of Canadian national team athletes, AthletesCAN ensures an athlete centered sport system by developing athlete leaders who influence sport policy and, as role models, inspire a strong sport culture.

For more information, please contact:

Thomas Hall

Interim Executive Director

AthletesCAN

Thall@AthletesCAN.com