“All clean and strong Russian athletes have to take part in the Olympic Games. The absence of high level athletes such as Yelena Isinbaeva, will become only damage the sporting spirit and will become a punishment for the sports world,” the President of the Caravella Association in Sardinia, Salvatore Deidda told Sputnik.
On August 4, due to the recent events a solidarity race was held at the Olympic village in Rome, Italy.
Supporters with different political views united to take part the race. They will attend the event without any party banners, only with a desire to express solidarity.
It was organized to bring attention to the injustice surrounding the disqualification of Russia’s athletes and express solidarity with the Russian sportsmen.
“Our race is the first reaction to this. As solidarity in politics and the economy of Italy and Russia is the only guarantee of our future. Today’s event it is not just a symbolic gesture, rather it is a challenge. It means ‘You can’t stop us,” the President of Lazio-Russia Association, Mauro Antonini told Sputnik.
For many years, Italy and Russia have had good relations, even during periods of sanctions. According to Antonini, sanctions are a way for the United States and Western financial structures try to undermine Italy’s economy and industry.
“Our companies lost millions of euros due to the interests of others,” continued Antonini.
In his opinion, the suspension of its athletes from taking part in the Olympic Games has been an additional shock to Russia.
