Ukrainian Leaders Visit Olympic Capital

(ATR) IOC Presiden Thomas Bach received Ukrainian PresidentPetro Poroshenko in Lausanne on Apr. 21.

The pair metat the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, the first meeting between the two leaders.

Sergey Bubka, president of the Ukrainian NOC, and OlympianValeriy Borzov attended the meeting.

Poroshenko took office last June, after previous PresidentViktor Yanukovych following widespread protests in the country. Since Poroshenko took office, the eastern part of the country has seen pro-Russian separatists fighting Ukrainian Forces.

Talks focused on the unifying power of international sport, especially in parts of Ukraine where relations with Russia are still strained.

Last year, the IOC created an emergency fund for Ukrainian athletes to help with training and competition during the conflict.

Poroshenko thanked Bach for the initiative and said 30 Ukrainian athletes are currently using these funds for such purposes.

The Ukrainian president spoke out against sporting boycotts and told Bach that athletes from all countries are welcome in Ukraine.

Poroshenko also said leaders in Ukraine plan to incorporate the "values of sport" into country-wide social programs that promote education and health.

Bach pledged the IOC's help in implementing these programs throughout the country.

Next, the IOC chief travels to India April 26-27.It is rumored Bach will speak to the Indian NOC about a possible 2024 Olympic bid.

Written by Kevin Nutley

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.