Still on the many woes Patrick Sawyer brought to Nigeria. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Nigeria and other West African countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease from participating in some sports at the Youth Olympics. Apparently, the decision was made to ensure the safety of participants.

A statement released by the IOC reads, “ Athletes from affected areas will not compete in combat sports” and “it was also decided that no athletes from the region would compete in the pool. We regret that due to this issue some young athletes may have suffered twice, both from the anguish caused by the outbreak in their home countries and by not being able to compete in the Youth Olympic Games.”

“We have been reassured by the health authorities that there have been no suspected cases and that the risk of infection is extremely unlikely. Together we have developed a policy which balances the health needs of all, with respect for the rights of the young athletes from the region.”

The Youth Olympic Games which will be held in Nanjing, China’s former capital, from August 16 to 28 will feature more than 3,500 competitors aged 15 to 18. A total of 25 people have fallen into the categories of Ebola-hit countries; (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria.) Nigeria’s squad is the largest with 13 members.