Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) – Belarusian athletes carried the flag of the Russian Federation during the Paralympics opening ceremony at Maracana Stadium on 7 September, BelTA has learned.

BelTA contacted Chairman of the Belarusian Paralympics Committee Oleg Shepel for comment. “By this gesture the members of the Belarusian delegation expressed solidarity with the Russian Paralympians who were banned from the Rio Games without confirmed evidence to the violations of anti-doping rules and who were penalized with a collective ban,” Oleg Shepel said.

The 15^th Summer Paralympics will be held on 7-18 September. More than 4,000 athletes will compete in 528 medal events. Belarus will compete in five sport disciplines.