HUNTER WILLIAMS District 2 Economic DEVELOPMENT & Tourism CHAIR TELEPHONE 205-254-2348 ‘THE counciL OF THE CITy oF BIRMINGHAM World Games Board of Directors: AAs history has proven time and again, sporting events like the World Games and the Olympics have served as powerful reminders of our humanity; brief moments when the world can seemingly push aside our disharmony and tun toward a common goal, They've left us with indelible images like Jesse Owens on the podium during the 1936 Berlin Olympics or Tommie ‘Smith and John Carlos raising their fists at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in solidarity with the Civil Rights Movement. These competitions hold a mirror to the world and remind us that we are all the same. Birmingham has showed the world what can be accomplished in the name of unity, peace and justice. I’s vital that we continue that legacy as we prepare to welcome the 2022 World Games to our city. That said, | Stand in full support of the decision made by the 2022 World Games Board of Directors to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from ‘competing in this year’s games in response to the unprovoked acts of war in Ukraine. We've all watched in horror as Ukrainian families have been forced to flee their homes in an active warzone. These gut-wrenching images and videos have become a rallying point for the free world who understand this conflict is an unnecessary tragedy, one brought on by a dictator who wishes to divide the world. However, the remarkable acts of ‘courage exhibited by the Ukrainian men and women fighting for their homeland and democracy have only helped to unite us even more. Birmingham must continue to be a city that stands for freedom and sovereignty of all people, regardless of what borders may separate us. Simply put, these reckless acts of aggression must be condemned in every possible term, ‘And now that Birmingham will be center of the world stage this Summer, our message of peace must be amplified. We ‘support the Ukrainian people's right to the pursuit of democracy and will continue to condemn any and all obstructions to those efforts made by the Russian government. In Solidarity, [por Hunter Williams Birmingham City Council District 2 710 N. 207H ST. BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203,