Ukraine decides to compete in Paralympics in Sochi
SOCHI – Ukrainian athletes, who have spent a difficult and emotional few days training in Russia, have decided to stay and compete when the 2014 Paralympics begin Saturday.
Valeriy Suskevich, Ukraine’s Paralympic Committee president, announced the decision Friday 30 minutes into a drawn-out, emotional address before more than 200 media. There had been speculation that the Ukraine would boycott the Games.
Suskevich detailed his feelings about para-sport, the impact of the Paralympics and the controversial buildup of Russian troops in the Crimea region of Ukraine. And several times, he made a strong plea for peace.
He said there was no intention to mix politics and sport, but said the Ukrainians “cannot remain indifferent to the situation in our country.” He said the decision to stay in Sochi was only made after he had a 30-minute meeting Thursday night with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Suskevich said it was a “very calm, respectful talk,” in which he stressed the need for peace in Ukraine and Europe, particularly during the nine-day period of the Games.
http://www.canada.com/olympics/paralympics/ukraine-decides-to-compete-in-paralympics-in-sochi
