POCOG statement on Neutral Paralympic Athletes team

"PyeongChang 2018 will symbolise the start of clean sport and fair competition for all moving forward. We are very proud to be part of the change."

The Organising Committee for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games (POCOG) has issued the following statement on the International Paralympic Committee(IPC)’s decision regarding Russia:

“We accept and respect the decision of the IPC regarding the ruling that Russian athletes may compete under a neutral flag.

We will welcome all athletes that meet are eligible to compete and meet the criteria set out by the IPC.

The IPC and IOC have both now made their decision on Russian participation as neutrals at PyeongChang 2018. Our taskforce will work with the neutral delegates to ensure that the competing athletes at both Games receive the same support as all other athletes to ensure they have the best Games experience possible.

PyeongChang is committed to delivering a Winter Games that is clean, fair and open to all eligible athletes.

The announcements by both the IOC and IPC heralds a new age for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and sport in the wider context. PyeongChang 2018 will symbolise the start of clean sport and fair competition for all moving forward. We are very proud to be part of the change.

We are working closely with WADA, along with other relevant organisations and authorities, to ensure that all necessary steps are taken around anti-doping and fair play."