Paralympics

The 2014 Paralympic Winter Games get underway today with opening ceremonies in Sochi, Russia, the site of this year’s Winter Olympics. 

This is despite the political unrest in the region caused, or at least exacerbated, by Russia’s invasion of the Crimean Peninsula.  The US and Great Britain have decided to boycott the games (sort of) by not sending political delegations, although both are allowing their athletes to compete, and it was announced this morning that the Ukraine has decided to participate in spite of a large portion of their country being under siege by Russian troops.

Over the next week, athletes from 45 countries will compete in 72 events.  Snowboarding has been added to the list of events this year.  Unlike other skiing competitions which have standing, sitting and visually impaired divisions, the new event only includes standing snowboarders.

Even without the current geopolitical considerations, Russia seems an unlikely place for paralympic games.  Back in 2007,  when this  year’s venue was chosen, the International Paralympic Committee stated that Russia had “a zero track record” on accessibility.  And Russia declined to hold the 1980 Summer Paralympics, stating that “no disabled people live in Russia.”