(ATR) IOC President Thomas Bach recognizes that the decision to prohibit athletes from Ebola-stricken countries from events at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games was not easy.
"We understand that for these athletes, it’s really tough because they’re suffering twice," Bach told Around the Rings on Friday.
"They’re suffering from the outbreak of the Ebola disease in their country and they’re suffering from not taking part in the Olympic Games."
Bach addedthat the IOC and Nanjing 2014 considered multiple factors before making their decision.
"We had to find the right balance here between protecting the athletes and the people of Nanjing and also the respect for the athletes from the countries being affected,"Bach said.
Bach explained to ATRthat the athletes barred from competing would receive an invitation to visit and compete in Nanjing at a later date, though he did not elaborate.
"With these measures, under the guidance of the World Health Organization, we believe we have found the right balance," Bach said.
A wrestler from Nigeria and a Guinean judokaand swimmer were all prohibited competing at the Games. The opening ceremony is on Saturday.
Earlier this week,Sierra Leone's National Olympic Committee claimed its delegation was asked not to travel to China by the Chinese embassy due to Ebola fears. Liberia has also withdrawn from the YOG.
Around the Rings understands athletes from Nigeria and Guinea will take part in the opening ceremony, but it is not decided how else they will be able to participate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 1,069 deaths in West Africa have been linked to the outbreak. Overall, approximately 1,251 cases of the virus have been confirmed.
The outbreak of Ebola has hit Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. As of Wednesday, the CDC reports Guinea is the worst affected with 377 deaths and 510 suspected and confirmed cases.
On Friday, the IOC and Nanjing 2014 issued a joint statement on their decision to bar the athletes from competing at the Games. The decision was reached after "working closely" with the World Health Organization and Chinese authorities.
"We have been reassured by the health authorities that there have been no suspected cases and that the risk of infection is extremely unlikely," the IOC and Games organizers stressed.
Athletes from countries affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa will be "subject to regular temperature and physical assessment throughout the period," the statement continued.
"Chinese authorities are fully prepared should any outbreak occur."
Written byNicole Bennett
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