Dein erstes Forum » that is to take place from June 15 to June 25, 2017.

LONDON -- The Russian government assured the IOC on Thursday it will not discriminate against homosexuals during the Sochi Olympics, while defending the law against gay "propaganda" that has provoked an international backlash. The IOC received a letter from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak giving reassurances the host country will comply fully with the Olympic Charters provision against discrimination of any kind. "The Russian Federation guarantees the fulfilment of its obligations before the International Olympic Committee in its entirety," Kozak said. However, Kozak did not back down on the issue of the new law, which penalizes anyone who distributes information aimed at persuading minors that "nontraditional" relationships are normal or attractive. The law applies equally to everyone and "cannot be regarded as discrimination based on sexual orientation," Kozak said. The letter still leaves open the question of what would happen to Olympic athletes or fans if they make statements or gestures that could be considered propaganda. The law has provoked harsh international criticism ahead of the Feb. 7-23 Winter Olympics in the Russian resort of Sochi. Some activists have called for a boycott of the games, though President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron have ruled that out. Kozaks letter came after IOC President Jacques Rogge asked the Russians for further clarifications on the law and how it could impact on the Sochi Games. "We have today received strong written reassurances from the Russian government that everyone will be welcome at the games in Sochi regardless of their sexual orientation," Rogge said in a statement. The letter was addressed to Jean Claude-Killy, the French IOC member who heads the co-ordination commission for the Sochi Games. Its still not clear if an athlete or spectator could be prosecuted for wearing a badge or rainbow pin or waving a small flag in solidarity with gay rights. Political gestures of any kind are also prohibited by the IOC. The issue attracted attention at the world athletics championships in Moscow last week when Swedish high jumper Emma Green Tregaro painted her fingernails in the colours of the rainbow to support gay rights. The gesture prompted Russian pole vault star Yelena Isinbayeva to complain that Green Tregaro was disrespecting Russia. In his letter, Kozak said the legislation does not impose any restrictions on sexual orientation, and stressed the Russian constitution prohibits discrimination against anyone based on sex, race or religion. The law on gay propaganda, he said, centres on the "restriction of information that promotes non-traditional sexual relationships among children." "These legislations apply equally to all persons, irrespective of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, and cannot be regarded as discrimination based on sexual orientation," he said. The letter added: "These requirements do not attract any limitations for participants and spectators of the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi on their legal right of residence in the territory of the Russian Federation or participation in any events stipulated in the Games program that are contradictory to the Olympic Charter or universally recognized standards of international law on human rights." Homosexuality was decriminalized in Russia in 1993 and Russian officials have been at pains to emphasize that the law does not penalize gay orientation or activity. However, the law reflects widespread animosity toward homosexuals in Russian society and its vagueness troubles many. It appears possible that anyone wearing a rainbow flag on the street or writing about gay relationships on Facebook, for instance, could be accused of propagandizing. Sergei Nemchinov Jersey . I cant pinpoint a date, but I do remember a player from my youth. Brian Downing was with the Chicago White Sox at a time when I listened to every game I possibly could on the radio. That particular season the late great Harry Caray was calling the White Sox games. Eddie Giacomin Rangers Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . http://www.rangershockeyonlineshop.com/mika-zibanejad-hockey-jersey/ . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. Filip Chytil Jersey . -- Devin Hester is done returning kicks in Chicago. Walt Tkaczuk Jersey .H. -- Matt Kenseth made it 2 for 2 in the Chase, holding off teammate Kyle Busch to win Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. India and Pakistan have been grouped together in the 2017 mens Hockey World League Semi-final that will be hosted by London in June. Six teams have been confirmed for the ten-day tournament that is to take place from June 15 to June 25, 2017.India and Pakistan had also faced each other at the league stages of the 2015 Hockey World League Semi-final in Antwerp, where Ramandeep Singh had scored Indias two goals in a 2-2 draw.The six teams confirmed for the London event are India, Pakistan, England, 2016 Olympic champions Argentina, Netherlands and Korea. A further four teams will be confirmed next spring after a further round of qualifiers, taking the total number of competing nations up to ten. The likes of Ireland, Scotland and Wales are aimiing to qualify for this tournament.dddddddddddd?The other Semi-final is set to take place in July 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the confirmed teams include Australia, Belgium, Germany, New Zealand and Spain.The Hockey World League, whose final is slated to take place in India in December 2017, serves as the main qualifier for the 2018 Hockey World Cup, which will be hosted by India and is the biggest hockey competition outside the Olympics.Three venues confirmed for the London Semi-final are the Olympic legacy venue, the Lee Valley Hockey and the Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. ' ' '