Russia to hold own Paralympics

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia will hold its own games for its Paralympic athletes, subsequent to the country’s ban from the international games.

According to Mr Putin, the athletes will be able to participate in a separate competition, in which they will have ample opportunity “to demonstrate their skills”. He also expressed his belief that the ban is “against the law, against morality and against humanity”.

News agency TASS has reported that the prizes awarded at the Russian games will be the same as those given out at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Earlier this month the International Paralympic Committee announced that the whole Russian team would be banned from this year’s Paralympic Games, amid the doping scandal that has caused a media furore worldwide. The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the ban, despite an appeal by Russia.

Source: The Moscow Times