- 15/10/2012
- Posted by: Ken Skates MS
- Category: News
CLWYD SOUTH AM KEN SKATES joined the First Minister Carwyn Jones in calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to observe one minutes silence at this years London games to mark the fortieth anniversary of the Munich Massacre.
In 1972 11 Israeli athletes were killed in a terrorist attack at the Munich Olympics and now the families of the dead athletes are campaigning for the tragedy to be marked at this years opening ceremony in London.
The International Olympic Committee has rejected the request, but the AM has joined politicians from the UK Parliament, Australia and across the world in supporting the families call for the event to be remembered.
Speaking during First Ministers Questions CLWYD SOUTH AM KEN SKATES said:
“The tragic events that took place at the Munich Olympics in 1972 deserve to be remembered by holding a minutes silence at the opening ceremony of this years games in London. 2012 will mark the fortieth anniversary of the massacre and it seems fitting to come together to remember those that were killed.
“The families of the athletes have continually asked the International Olympic Committee to mark the event with a minutes silence at subsequent games, but these requests have always been denied. Now is the time to address the hurt in a symbol of peace and unity.
“Having a minutes silence would be the triumph of the Olympic ideal, ensuring political differences are put aside and that we remind the world that sport can be way of promoting peace and reconciliation.
“We are hosting these games in the UK and everyone, including those of us in Wales, are looking forward to a big celebration. However we also have an important duty to remember the past and to pay our respects to those who died in such terrible circumstances in 1972.
“I’m calling on Sebastian Coe, the Chairman of the London Organising Committee and Jacques Rogge the President of the International Olympic Committee to make this happen and use the healing power of sport to bring people together.”
-Ends-
Notes:
A link to the Statement of Opinion Ken has tabled in the Assembly:
