Dear Presidents, dear friends,
If I tell you that we are living in a world which is in turmoil, I am not saying something new. We are all living in a shock of what had happened to our friends in Ukraine. I have written an email to the President of the Ukrainian federation.
The email is as follows:
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Dear Mr. President,
Let me start in saying that the Presidium of EBF as well as most (if not all) member federations of EBF are shocked by the recent actions.
Let me assure you, Mr. President, that EBF will strictly follow the recommendations of the IOC. Russian and Belorussian athletes and officials will be banned from participating in International (EBF) competitions.
Unfortunately, we cannot do enough to help you, your beloved and the people of your Country. We wish you all a lot of courage and strength.
On behalf of my presidium
Addie Ophelders
President
European Bowling Federation
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As you know the IOC and GAISF have sent a recommendation to all International Sport Federations (including IBF) that athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus should be stopped from participating in international competitions. IBF and EBF follow that recommendation.
As you know, in our Presidium we have a colleague and friend Sergey Lisitsyn from Russia. Sergey was appointed by me as Championships Director for the EMC in June in Helsinki and for the EYC in September in Wittelsheim, France. Sergey has asked me to replace him for both championships; I respect his wish and he will be replaced.
I sincerely hope that this heart-breaking situation will end soon and that we can continue bowling together with all our friends.
Regards
Addie Ophelders
President