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Some questions have arisen about the recent executive order regarding immigration that was issued by President Donald Trump on Friday. USA Weightlifting will host the 2017 IWF Weightlifting World Championships later this year in Anaheim, Calif. Press inquiries can be directed to anna.resman@nullusaweightlifting.org or kevin.farley@nullusaweightlifting.org.

The following statement is from Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Weightlifting:

“Our view is that politics and sport should be separate. Weightlifting provides an excellent opportunity to interact with our fellow nations from all parts of the planet in a peaceful and cooperative fashion.

At this time, we are still working out what impacts beyond the initial 90 day period that this issue may have, both on Iran’s participation in the World Championships in Anaheim, CA, and on our own team’s participation in the Fajr Cup in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We sincerely hope to peacefully welcome these 7 nations to Anaheim this November. It is unimaginable to be able to host a true World event without their participation.”

The U.S. Olympic Committee provided its own update about the situation Monday.

Attributable to United States Olympic Committee Chairman Larry Probst and USOC CEO Scott Blackmun:

“We have received a number of inquiries about the executive order regarding immigration that was issued by President Trump on Friday. Like the United States, the Olympic Movement was founded based upon principles of diversity and inclusion, of opportunity and overcoming adversity. As the steward of the Olympic Movement in the United States, we embrace those values. We also acknowledge the difficult task of providing for the safety and security of a nation. It is our sincere hope that the executive order as implemented will appropriately recognize the values on which our nation, as well as the Olympic Movement, were founded.

“We have been specifically asked about the impact that the executive order could have on athletes and officials coming to the United States to compete. Recognizing the extraordinary power of international sport to bring people together in a peaceful celebration of friendship, excellence and respect, the U.S. government has today advised us that it will work with us to ensure that athletes and officials from all countries will have expedited access to the United States in order to participate in international athletic competitions.

“We appreciate your support and patience.”

The IWF is closely monitoring the situation and will proceed to a Technical Visit in Anaheim later this month.

In close cooparation with USA Weightlifting, the aim is to clarify the situation, inform the Membership and working on the smooth organization of the 2017 IWF World Championships that would not affect the participation.