SUPPORT OLYMPIC TEAM DARFUR
We salute our Athletes competing in the Olympic Games, especially TEAM DARFUR.
Tracy Mattes', a gold Olympic athlete, has been denied a visa to China because of his support of Team Darfur. Read more about Mattes
"A campaign leading up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, Team Darfur aims to educate the global public through the unique voice of elite athletes. Team Darfur brings together the world's Olympic and professional athletes to put international pressure not only on Sudan, but also on those countries that support the policy of inaction in the face of this dire humanitarian crisis.
"China's government holds enormous leverage over Sudan. They purchase two thirds of Sudan's oil, and they sell Sudan the weapons that are used by the Janjaweed to carry out their attacks. If the Chinese government really wanted to, they could end the genocide. Their economic relationship with Sudan is just that powerful. Team Darfur is tremendously excited about the upcoming summer Olympics in Beijing. However, it has become clear to us that China's lack of action with regard to Darfur is not in line with its professed motto of "One World, One Dream."
"Since last year, Team Darfur has been working to put pressure on China in the lead-up to the Olympics. And it has been working! China has responded by appointing a diplomatic envoy to Darfur, sending engineers to the region, and making vocal statements about their commitment to helping the victims of the conflict. We commend them for all of this. But it is not enough!"
See the list of Team Darfur Atletes
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