**Petition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to Ban Steven Van de Velde from Competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics**

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the participation of Steven Van de Velde in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Van de Velde, a Dutch beach volleyball player, was convicted and imprisoned eight years ago for a serious crime involving a 12-year-old British girl he met on Facebook. He admitted to three counts of this crime after traveling from Amsterdam in August 2014 to meet the girl. The incidents occurred near Furzton Lake and at a residence in Milton Keynes. Following his return to the Netherlands, he was extradited and arrested, and subsequently served four years in prison for his actions.

Given the gravity of his offense, it is unacceptable to allow Steven Van de Velde to compete on the world stage. The Olympics is an event that celebrates excellence, integrity, and the highest standards of human behavior. Allowing a convicted individual with such a serious criminal background to participate not only tarnishes the reputation of the Games but also poses a potential threat to the many young athletes, including minors, who compete.

Steven Van de Velde's crimes egregiously violate the morality clause of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which emphasizes the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards and promoting respect, fairness, and integrity within the sports community. His conviction for a serious offense involving a minor starkly contrasts with the IOC's commitment to fostering a safe and honorable environment for all athletes, particularly young competitors. Allowing an individual with such a criminal history to participate in the Olympics undermines the values that the IOC strives to uphold and sends a contradictory message about the importance of maintaining moral and ethical conduct in sports.

We call upon the International Olympic Committee to take immediate action and ban Steven Van de Velde from participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics. His presence is incompatible with the values and principles of the Olympic movement, and his participation would send a dangerous message that such behavior can be overlooked.

By signing this petition, we urge the IOC to uphold the integrity of the Games and ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes. Please act now to prevent Steven Van de Velde from competing in Paris.