Athletes from Russia and Belarus will be banned from the Beijing Winter Paralympics in a dramatic U-turn by the International Paralympic Committee
Parsons apologised to athletes from Russia and Belarus, saying: "First and foremost, we have a duty as part of the Paralympic mission, enshrined in the constitution, to guarantee and supervise the organisation of successful Paralympic Games, to ensure that, in sport practised within the Paralympic Movement, the spirit of fair play prevails, violence is banned, the health risk of the athletes is managed and fundamental ethical principles are upheld.
Directly addressing participants from affected countries, he said: "You are victims of your governments' actions." He went on: "I hope and pray that we can get back to a situation when the talk and focus is fully on the power of sport to transform the lives of persons with disabilities, and the best of humanity."
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