Ukraine to participate at Sochi 2014 Paralympics

“The talking point of Sochi 2014 needs to be great sport and great athletes, not global politics.”

The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee on Friday (7 March) confirmed that their team will compete at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

The decision was announced by Ukrainian Paralympic Committee President Valeriy Suskevich at a press conference just hours ahead of the Opening Ceremony at the Fisht Stadium.

Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said: “We are delighted by Ukraine’s decision as we want sport to prevail and a full complement of teams to compete in what we are confident will be a fantastic Paralympic Winter Games.

“All week the IPC has been working closely with the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee in an effort to keep them here in Sochi.

“The talking point of Sochi 2014 needs to be great sport and great athletes, not global politics.

“We want all the athletes who have trained for years to reach these Games to fully focus on events on the field as opposed to off.

“Now that a decision has been taken I hope this will be the case and the athletes and the sport will take centre stage and the headlines they deserve.”