IPC reverses decision, excludes Russian and Belarussian Athletes from the Winter Paralympics

IPC reverses decision, excludes Russian and Belarussian Athletes from the Winter Paralympics

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) stated on Thursday morning that Russian and Belarussian competitors will not be able to compete in the Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing, which begin on Friday, March 4.

“At the IPC, we are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mingle,” IPC President Andrew Parsons said on the organization’s website. However, by no fault of its own, the war has found its way to these Games, and several governments are working behind the scenes to influence our beloved event.

“The IPC is a membership-based organisation, and we are receptive to the views of our member organisations.

“When our members elected the Board in December 2021, it was to maintain and uphold the principles, values, and rules of the Paralympic Movement. As Board members, that is a responsibility and duty we take extremely seriously.

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“In taking our decision yesterday, we were looking at the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic Movement. We are fiercely proud of the principles and values that have made the Movement what it is today.

“However, what is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games.

“Yesterday, we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing.

“In the last 12 hours, an overwhelming number of members have been in touch with us and been very open, for which I am grateful.

“They have told us that if we do not reconsider our decision, it is now likely to have grave consequences for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. Multiple NPCs, some of which have been contacted by their governments, teams and athletes, are threatening not to compete.”

On Friday, March 4, the Games will begin in Beijing, China.