Plea for peace as Paralympics open in Beijing, without Russian and Belarusian athletes

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons used his speech at the opening of the Beijing Winter Paralympics to make an impassioned plea for peace in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On Thursday, the IPC had performed a U-turn in opting to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Games rather than allow them to compete as neutrals.

Russia’s Paralympic team are returning home from China after deciding not to appeal against the decision, which came amid the threat of other countries staging a mass boycott.

“Tonight, the Paralympic Movement calls on world authorities to come together, as athletes do, and promote peace, understanding and inclusion.”Powerful words from the President of International Paralympics Committee @parsonsandrew #Beijing2022 ##OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/OfFNpVG87Q

— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) March 4, 2022

The Beijing Winter Paralympics were officially opened on Friday at the Bird’s Nest Stadium against the backdrop of protests.

Despite the war in their homeland, Ukraine managed to send a full delegation of 20 athletes and nine guides to Beijing to take their place for Friday’s parade of nations.

Ukrainian athletes are set to compete in para-biathlon and para-cross-country skiing, aiming to better the 22 medals – including seven golds – from PyeongChang four years ago.

Dignitaries including Chinese president Xi Jinping attended Friday’s opening ceremony, which had a theme of ‘Improve, Go Beyond, Together’.

Parsons took to the podium during the formalities and launched an impassioned plea for world leaders to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict – although he did not directly reference either Ukraine or Russia.

“Tonight I want and must begin with a