New Zealand backs Olympic athletes to ‘share their voices’ as it vows to do more to strengthen equality

International Olympic Committee is under growing pressure to change its stance on banning political protests after athletes who take a knee at the 2020 Olympics were told they face potential punishment

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has told its athletes they should speak openly about social and political issues, especially those involving racism, as calls to change rules restricting protest at the Olympics grows louder.

Several major sports organisations have already moved to allow protests at their events following George Floyd's death in US police custody on 25 May, while athletes globally have offered support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

"We support our athletes as they share their voices, and we look to ourselves for ways to further strengthen our commitment to equality," NZOC President Mike Stanley said in a statement on Thursday following a board meeting.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) specifically bans political protests at Olympic Games.

IOC President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday it has embarked on a process of engagement with athletes about "expressing support for the principles enshrined in the Olympic charter in a dignified way".

Floyd's death has seen Black Lives Matter protests spread globally, including to street marches in New Zealand.

Several New Zealand athletes and rugby players have also voiced their support for the movement and questioned institutional racism.

"It's important for athletes to feel empowered and to understand the role they can play as community leaders," said Sarah Cowley Ross, the chair of the NZOC Athletes Commission.

"I was proud to see so many athletes using their platforms for good and we look forward to finding additional avenues to support their calls for change."

Reuters