Ukraine gymnastics event canceled amid protests

Associated Press

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The International Gymnastics Federation says an event in Ukraine has been canceled due to the political unrest in Kiev.

FIG issued a statement Thursday saying the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation had canceled the Stars Above the Boug River event which was due to start Feb. 27 at Vinnistsa, 250 kilometers (155 miles) southwest of Kiev.

More than 200 gymasts from 14 countries had registered to compete.

The FIG says it "has taken note of this decision with understanding and addressed its message of compassion and hope for the whole country, with hopes that it may recover its calm and serenity as soon as possible."

Deadly clashes between protesters and government forces continued to rock the capital on Thursday.