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Ecuadorian NOA and NOC Work Together to Aid Olympians Affected by Earthquake 

28 | 4 | 2016

The National Olympians Association and Olympic Committee of Ecuador have been working around the clock to locate and offer help to Ecuadorian Olympians following the catastrophic earthquake that hit the country last week.

The death toll from the devastating magnitude-7.8 earthquake, which struck off the Ecuadorean coast on 16 April, has risen to 654 with another 58 people missing. As part of their coordinated approach, the NOA and NOC are building a joint database of Olympians to ensure all those who need assistance are able to receive it. The database, which came about as part of a collaborative effort from the two official bodies as the country faced its worst natural disaster in decades, will also be used in the future to further support Olympians and promote community activity.

The World Olympians Association has also been on hand to support and offer assistance where possible. WOA Secretary General, Peruvian Olympic athlete Anthony Ledgard, has been in neighbouring Ecuador to show solidarity with the local NOA and aid efforts to help the Olympic athletes affected.

During his visit, Ledgard worked with Jorge Delgado, President of the Olympians Association of Ecuador and Augusto Moran, President of the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee, who were grateful for the WOA’s gesture of support.
Ledgard noted, "Fortunately, as far as we are aware, no Olympic athlete has died in the earthquake but we continue our efforts, in coordination with the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee and the Olympians Association of Ecuador, to contact all Olympians and ensure the safety of those who have registered their home in the earthquake zone. At this tragic time it has been heartening to see our colleagues in Ecuador working so closely together for the good of their community; they have set an example for other NOAs and NOCs to follow.”

Augusto Moran, President of the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee, said:

“We were grateful to be working alongside our friends and colleagues from the Ecuador Olympians Association during this difficult time. Confirming the safety and wellbeing of our Olympic athletes both past and present as well as members of the wider Ecuadorian Olympic family was our utmost priority. Our partnership with the NOA made this process far easier.”

Jorge Delgado, President of the Olympians Association of Ecuador, said:

“Standing side by side with the Olympic Committee to help our fellow Olympians in these terrible circumstances has been a tough but inspiring experience. Driven by the shared spirit of Olympism, it was great to see our two organisations come together to help our community in its time of need and I am proud to be surrounded by such determined and committed colleagues. We would also like to extend our thanks to the WOA for their continued support.”