The main sponsor of the World Cup in cross-country skiing encourages the FIS to reverse Russia’s decision to take part in Drammen and Holmenkollen. Aleksandr Bolsonov & Co. Should align with the Ukrainian colors in the Coop logo on the starting numbers if they make up.
– We should do our best. As we can see, there will be no effect to remove the logo and get a white background. Hopefully it will suffice that the Russians will not go with the starting numbers if FIS does not exclude them from the races, Bjørn Takle Friis – Communications and Sustainability Manager at Coop Norway – tells VG.
Coop is now working on changing all logos to the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag during the sprint race in central Drammen on Thursday, the women’s three-mile race at Holmenkollen on Saturday and the five-mile run at the same venue on Sunday. .
– This applies to all installations connected to gutters. We’re also trying to link the Red Cross donation number everywhere, says Takle Friis.
The main sponsor of the cross-country World Cup is not convinced that the International Ski Federation (FIS) will not exclude Russian athletes from competitions in the near future. Confirms the link in an email to VG.
– We gave clear directions to the Islamic Salvation Front for what we believe in. They must respond immediately. In sympathy and solidarity with Ukraine, we cannot accept the Russian national team going to the World Cup, says the Coop manager.
– Do you hope to turn the FIS?
“We really hope so,” Takul Friss answers.
Holmenkollen Ski Festival sponsor, Obos, also responds to FIS’ decision.
As sponsor of the races in Drammen and Holmenkollen, we believe that Russian athletes will not participate under the current conditions. We will celebrate our support for Ukraine even more during the event, Director of Communications Thomas Skjennald wrote in an SMS to VG.
– Obos feels strongly with the Ukrainian people and has made a clear commitment to support them in difficult situations through our cooperation with SOS Children’s Villages. We gave 17.5 million to their work in Ukraine, and with the rest of the housing and real estate industry, we raised a total of 52 million to support SOS Children’s Villages over the weekend, says Skjennald.
The Norwegian Ski Association clearly stated in a press release on Saturday:
The message of the Norwegian Ski Association to Russia and the Russian athletes is crystal clear: we don’t want them to be involved!
Russian cross-country skiers descended on Monday afternoon in Gardermoen, including star Alexander Bolshunov, with the goal of cross-country skiing at both Drammen and Holmenkollen.
– I think it is cowardly and weak that the Islamic Salvation Front does not take a decision to reject Russia’s participation in Norway and the World Cup. The FIS should have done like the skate classics – and say no to Russia. I think the Norway Ski Association sent a good and clear signal in the first place. Very sad that the FIS does not follow up Says Johannes Husfluth Klæbo to VG.
At the same time, the World Cup leader demanded respect for Alexander Bolshunov and Russian competitors.
– It is also important that we show responsibility towards Russian cross-country skiers, and treat them with respect. There are people, but there are also co-workers in the form of competitors with whom we meet again and again. I really hoped that the FIS or the Russians themselves would choose to decide that they would not run – and that they would go back to Russia, says Klaibaud and wants the FIS to change its position.
– FIS has been clear in its position when it comes to Russian athletes and all FIS competitions. To ensure fair and inclusive competitions at all FIS events, national federations or local organizers should not disqualify practitioners on the basis of gender, race, nationality or sexual orientation, says communications director Jenny Weddick.
On Monday, the ski chiefs of Norway, Sweden and Finland sent a letter to the FIS administration asking them to FIS takes a new assessment of the case.
“Infuriatingly humble internet trailblazer. Twitter buff. Beer nerd. Bacon scholar. Coffee practitioner.”
