Youth Olympics: Bans placed on athletes over Ebola fears

Three participants barred from combat sports, pool events.

ZURICH: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned athletes from west African countries affected by the deadly Ebola virus from competing in some events at the Youth Olympics, starting in China this weekend.

The IOC released a statement on Friday saying that while there were no suspected cases, organisers had decided to bar three athletes from competing in combat sports and events in the pool as a precaution.

“We have been reassured by the health authorities that there have been no suspected cases and that the risk of infection is extremely unlikely,” read the statement.

“Together we have developed a policy which balances the health needs of all, with respect for the rights of the young athletes from the region.”

The IOC said the decision to ban some athletes from competing had been made in conjunction with the organising committee from Nanjing under the guidance of the World Health Organisation.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2014.

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