President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration that was signed last week has created a lot of controversy. The travel ban affecting seven countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia) could also impact USA Weightlifting (USAW)
The USAW has a team currently preparing for the Fajr Cup to be held in Iran in March. Additionally, the travel ban, if still in place in December, would likely affect athletes from these countries in competing at the 2017 IWF World Championships in Anaheim, California.
USAW CEO Phil Andrews issued a statement regarding the situation:
“Our view is that politics and sport should be separate. Weightlifting provides an excellent opportunity to interact with our fellow nations from all parts of the planet in a peaceful and cooperative fashion.
At this time, we are still working out what impacts beyond the initial 90 day period that this issue may have, both on Iran’s participation in the World Championships in Anaheim, CA, and on our own team’s participation in the Fajr Cup in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
We sincerely hope to peacefully welcome these 7 nations to Anaheim this November. It is unimaginable to be able to host a true World event without their participation.”
