By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in the early hours of Thursday has sent shockwaves around the world and the basketball world has united in the call for a ceasefire in the area.
Among those using their medium to send a strong anti-war message is legendary Spanish basketball figure Pau Gasol, a UNICEF ambassador and founder of the Gasol Foundation that is working towards eradicating childhood obesity.
In his statement on social media, Gasol calls for immediate action to end the war on Ukrainian territory:
“I want to join the calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine. War is never the solution. Lots of people, including thousands of children, are suffering the consequences of this dramatic conflict. There is only one way: peace and dialogue”.
Shortly after Gasol’s statement, Sacramento Kings‘ Alex Len and Toronto Raptors‘ Svi Mykhailiuk have joined forces and with a statement also published on social media, they stand in support of their homeland, Ukraine, condemning all acts of violence.
Their statement reads:
“A great tragedy befell our dear homeland Ukraine. We categorically condemn the war. Ukraine is a peaceful, sovereign state inhabited by people who want to decide their own destiny. We pray for our families, friends, relatives and all the people who are in the territory of Ukraine. We hope for an end to this terrible war as soon as possible. Dear fellow Ukrainians, hold on! Our strength is in unity! We are with you!”