By Duncan Mackay
A campaign launched by the World Olympians Association to help raise awareness and funds to tackle the spread of Ebola in West Africa has been joined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), it was announced today.
A campaign launched by the World Olympians Association to help raise awareness and funds to tackle the spread of Ebola in West Africa has been joined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), it was announced today.
The IPC has pledged its support to #TargetEbola, an online and social media campaign which already has the support of Prince Albert II of Monaco and six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, as well as a number of world governing bodies, including SportAccord, World Rugby, the International Golf Federation and the International Union of Modern Pentathlon.
The campaign had originally been launched in October after Francis Dove Edwin, a two-time Olympian and convicted drugs cheat from Sierra Leone, who was appointed to the Presidential task force to combat the disease in his homeland, asked the WOA to help raise funds.
IPC President Sir Philip Craven claims the support of the Ebola crisis is part of the organisation's aim to "build a bridge linking sport and social awareness" ©WOA
"The IPC recognises the devastating nature of this terrible disease and as an organisation we are keen to do everything we can to help those affected," said Sir Philip Craven, President of the IPC.
"One of the aims of the Paralympic Movement is to build a bridge linking sport and social awareness and this extends to issues such as the Ebola crisis.
"In many ways the Paralympic values of courage, determination and inspiration are present in the healthcare workers and volunteers putting themselves at risk trying to fight the virus in West Africa.
IPC President Sir Philip Craven claims the support of the Ebola crisis is part of the organisation's aim to "build a bridge linking sport and social awareness" ©WOA"The IPC recognises the devastating nature of this terrible disease and as an organisation we are keen to do everything we can to help those affected," said Sir Philip Craven, President of the IPC.
"One of the aims of the Paralympic Movement is to build a bridge linking sport and social awareness and this extends to issues such as the Ebola crisis.
"In many ways the Paralympic values of courage, determination and inspiration are present in the healthcare workers and volunteers putting themselves at risk trying to fight the virus in West Africa.
"We are proud to unite with the WOA against Ebola and we urge everyone in the Paralympic community and the wider sporting world to get behind #TargetEbola."
Ebola remains a major problem in West Africa and has claimed nearly 7,000 lives ©AFP/Getty Images
Latest figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show the disease is still rampant.
The death toll in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone stands at 6,388, while the number of those infected with the virus is close to 18,000.
"The continued suffering by those affected by Ebola highlights why the #TargetEbola campaign is so important," said WOA President Joël Bouzou.
"Our goal is to mobilise the international sporting community and draw attention to how the public around the world can raise awareness and essential funds for the people who need it most.
"I would like to thank Sir Phillip Craven and the IPC for their support and I believe that by working collaboratively with other sporting bodies we can make a real difference."
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]
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November 2014: Sport must unite to raise awareness of Ebola danger, claims ANOCA chief
October 2014: Prince Albert II of Monaco pleas for #TargetEbola campaign support
October 2014: World Olympians Association launches #TargetEbola campaign
October 2014: Proposed Sierra Leone NOC headquarters site set to become Ebola hospital
Ebola remains a major problem in West Africa and has claimed nearly 7,000 lives ©AFP/Getty ImagesLatest figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show the disease is still rampant.
The death toll in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone stands at 6,388, while the number of those infected with the virus is close to 18,000.
"The continued suffering by those affected by Ebola highlights why the #TargetEbola campaign is so important," said WOA President Joël Bouzou.
"Our goal is to mobilise the international sporting community and draw attention to how the public around the world can raise awareness and essential funds for the people who need it most.
"I would like to thank Sir Phillip Craven and the IPC for their support and I believe that by working collaboratively with other sporting bodies we can make a real difference."
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]
Related stories
November 2014: Sport must unite to raise awareness of Ebola danger, claims ANOCA chief
October 2014: Prince Albert II of Monaco pleas for #TargetEbola campaign support
October 2014: World Olympians Association launches #TargetEbola campaign
October 2014: Proposed Sierra Leone NOC headquarters site set to become Ebola hospital
