Princess Diana Mourned At World’s Sports Venues

From tennis courts in New York to ballparks in Toronto and San Diego, and of course, throughout Britain, the shocking death of Princess Diana was mourned Sunday at sporting events around the world.

Andre Agassi wore a black ribbon during his match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament, which was preceded by a moment of silence.

The San Francisco Giants honored Diana’s memory and her efforts in the fight against AIDS with a moment of silence during the team’s “Until There’s a Cure Day.” A picture of Diana was shown on the stadium’s big screen.

The Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres also observed moments of silence prior to their games, and the flag was lowered to half staff before the game in Yankee Stadium.

International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch sent a letter of sympathy to the British Olympic Association.

Diana was the former sister-in-law of Princess Anne, a former Olympic equestrian competitor who is an IOC member and president of the BOA. IOC director general Francois Carrard said it was uncertain whether Anne would attend the IOC session this week. IOC members on Friday will select the host city for the 2004 Olympics.

Throughout Britain, soccer, cricket and motor racing events were postponed as the shocked nation attempted to cope with Diana’s death.