Three-times Olympic medal winner in swimming Aleksandra Gerasimenya has been made Head of the Belarusian Sports Solidarity Foundation. The Foundation was created in August 2020, and its main task is to provide financial, psychological, organisational and other assistance to Belarusian athletes who have suffered as a result of actions taken by the regime. According to Gerasimenya "the Foundation intends to cooperate with international organisations and federations in various sports so that the infringement of the rights of athletes in Belarus remains on the agenda in Europe and worldwide."
"Also on the subject of violation of the rights of sportsmen & women the Sports Solidarity Fuoundation appealed to the IOC, which led to the President of the organisation Thomas Bach personally condemning the events in Belarus. The IOC intends to investigate all instances of harassment and persecution of Belarusian athletes by officials and security forces, and the Foundation intends to ensure swift action both from the IOC and other sports organisations and federations", the Foundation stated.
Aleksandra Gerasimenya was one of the initiators of an open athlete's appeal to the authorities demanding new elections and an end to violence, as well as the creation of a Free Association of Belarusian sportsmen and women. Over the past few months, she has on numerous occasions openly criticised events in the country and the actions of the authorities.