Olympic Movement Expresses Solidarity with People of Nepal

(ATR) The IOC, ANOC, Olympic Council of Asia, Rio 2016, and World Taekwondo are among many international organizations expressing solidarity with the people of Nepal.

The country is still reeling from a massive earthquake that hit Nepal on April 25.

Around the Rings was unsuccessful in its efforts to contact the Nepal National Olympic Committee, which is led by president Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan.

On May 2, the Nepal NOC posted photos of letters on its Facebook account that were sent to Pradhan and Nepal minister of youth and sports Purusottam Poudel.

"We are deeply shocked and moved by the terrible earthquake that hit your country," Pere Miro, director of the IOC Olympic Solidarity and NOC Relations Department, writes.

"We would like to express our support and solidarity to you and to all of the victims as well as their families in this difficult time."

Carlos Nuzman, president of the Rio 2016, echoed the IOC's sentiments in a letter to Pradhan.

"I would like to offer you and the people of your country my deepest condolences, solidarity and full support.

"May these hard times end quickly. Be assured that my thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, president of ANOC and the Olympic Council of Asia, expressed hope for the future of Nepal in a letter written to Poudel.

"I am sure the resilience of the Nepalese people, the country will emerge stronger from this natural disaster."

According to BBC News, officials say the 7.8-magnitude quake injured over 10, 000 people.The death toll has topped 7,000.

The Associated Press says Nepal's government will need immense international support as the Himalayan country turns its attention to reconstruction in the coming weeks.

On behalf of the World Taekwondo, federation president Chungwon Choue sent a letter to the Nepal NOC along with a monetary donation.

"The terrible loss of lives due to the most devastating earthquake is inconceivable, and all taekwondo families are with the families and relatives as they try to come to terms with such a tragic incident."

The Nepal NOC was formed in 1962 and officially recognized by the IOC in 1963.

Nepal has competed in 11 Summer Olympic Games and in three Winter Games. However, the country has yet to win an Olympic medal.

"The WTF will fully support the Nepal Taekwondo Association in overcoming this tragedy," Choue concluded.

Prakash Shumsher Rana, president of the Nepal Taekwondo Association, has issued an appeal for relief efforts in the country.

"The death toll is increasing day by day. On top of that thousands of people are still missing.

"The people are in need of food, shelter, medical services and funds to build their homes affected by the earthquake."

International and national sports organizations have contributed to relief efforts, Rana says the country will benefit from any kind of help.

"We have formed an Earthquake Relief Management Committee under my leadership.

"Even a small help would be very grateful and would make a big difference for Nepalese people in this panic moment."

Niva Shrestha, a representative of the Canadian Paralympic Committee whose family is from Nepal, helped set up a fund for relief efforts in the country.

Over the next 28 days, Shrestha hopes to raise at least $15,000 for the "Nepal Earthquake Fund." Click here to donate.

Written byNicole Bennett

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