A joint statement from the Athletes of Ukraine and Global Athlete on the International Paralympic Committee’s Decision to Ban Russia and Belarus from the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Games

3 March 2022: Today is a bittersweet victory for Ukrainian athletes. On the one hand, we have seen the power athletes yield as a collective. On the other hand, the Ukrainian nation continues to experience a raging war from Russia and Belarus and sport administrators only acted after a global outcry. As athletes have stood together for change, the Ukrainians are also standing together for their sovereignty and for peace.

Ukrainian Skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych says, “On behalf of the Ukrainian athletes I want to thank the hundreds of Paralympians and Olympians for your unwavering support to our country. It is because of the athletes, the International Paralympic Committee had to reverse their decision that has now resulted in the ban of Russia and Belarus from the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Games. Today’s decision sends an important message to both Russian and Belarus leaders that their actions have sadly dire consequences to all Russians and Belarusians including their athletes. We are forever grateful to the international athlete community.”   

Rob Koehler, the Global Athlete Director General says, “We have been humbled to help elevate the Ukrainian athletes’ voices and hundreds of Paralympic and Olympic athlete supporters. Today, principle prevailed over politics. To avoid history from repeating itself, any challenge by Russia and Belarus to the IPC’s decision must be met with swift opposition as time and time again the Court of Arbitration for Sport has favoured Russian interests over athletes’ interests.”

Ali Jawad, British 4 x Paralympian and Global Athlete Board Member says, “It is abundantly clear that athletes forced this decision, not sport leaders.”

On the eve of the 2022 Paralympic Games, we wish all Paralympians success and safe and fair competition. May you inspire nations and future Paralympians.

-ENDS-