The President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, announced on Monday that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be permitted to participate in the Winter Paralympics under their respective flags and national anthems. The decision, made during the IPC General Assembly, allocated 10 combined slots for athletes from both countries, sparking controversy amid ongoing tensions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Parsons emphasized that the decision is final and cannot be reversed by the board or himself. The announcement led to Ukraine declaring a boycott of the Milano Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony on March 6 in Verona, with the Czech Paralympic Committee and some Polish officials also opting to stay away in solidarity with Ukraine.
Despite the boycotts, Parsons encouraged Ukrainian athletes to attend the ceremony, highlighting the IPC’s message of inclusion and diversity. He also addressed concerns about potential further withdrawals from other countries, stating that the IPC had not received any official communication regarding additional boycotts.
Russia, facing international sporting sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict, condemned the politicization of sports and expressed offense at targeting disabled athletes. The country secured spots in Para Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, while Belarus received places exclusively in cross-country skiing.
The Italian government disagreed with the IPC’s decision and called for a reversal. Parsons noted ongoing dialogue with the host nation to navigate differing positions and ensure the best competitive environment for athletes. The Winter Paralympics are scheduled to take place from March 6 to March 15.