Tournament for Occupants with Disabilities: Reaction from the International Paralympic Committee

The International Paralympic Committee responds to the holding of propaganda competitions in Russia

According to glavcom.ua: The International Paralympic Committee has reacted to the propaganda event held by the Paralympic Committee of Russia - the All-Russian competitions among Russian occupants 'Cup of Sitting Volleyball 'Heroes of Our Time'. This is reported by 'Glavkom'.

'Glavkom' contacted the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) with an inquiry, asking:

• How can the IPC comment on information about this tournament?
• Is organizing such events a violation of IPC rules?
• Will the IPC impose sanctions on the Paralympic Committee of Russia?

'Thank you sincerely for your email. The IPC's response to this question is as follows: The membership of the Paralympic Committee of Russia has been partially suspended following a decision made by IPC members at the 2023 General Assembly. The membership status of the Paralympic Committee of Russia will be reconsidered by IPC member organizations at the IPC General Assembly in 2025, which will take place in Seoul, Korea, in September of this year,' - replied 'Glavkom' the Director of Public Relations of the IPC, Craig Spence.

Results of the Competitions and Responses from the Organizers

On Sunday, June 22, the Paralympic Committee of Russia held a propaganda event - the All-Russian competitions among Russian occupants 'Cup of Sitting Volleyball 'Heroes of Our Time' in Moscow. The Cup was won by the team from Buryatia, the second place was taken by the team from Moscow, and the bronze medals were awarded to the team from the Transbaikal Region. It should be emphasized that the organization of such propaganda events is a violation of the rules of the International Paralympic Committee.

'Since the first days of the Special Military Operation (as the Russian propaganda calls the war against Ukraine - 'Glavkom'), we have visited hospitals, rehabilitation centers, held Paralympic lessons, workshops. Among the sports we showcased and invited the kids to watch and participate in was sitting volleyball. Based on all our major competitions over the past two years, 15 best teams were selected to come here. For them, this is a kind of world championship, the Paralympic Games, because they are the best of the best in their federal districts,' - said the president of the Paralympic Committee of Russia, Pavel Rojkov. He also noted that six Russian occupants are part of the sitting volleyball team of Russia.

After holding propaganda competitions among Russian occupants in Russia, the International Paralympic Committee reacted by partially suspending the membership of the Paralympic Committee of Russia and planning a full discussion of this issue at the upcoming IPC General Assembly in 2025. The organizers, in turn, defend the holding of the event, considering it a way to support and motivate the participants.