The War and its Repercussions

    War, in any instance, results in repercussions devastating anyone involved. Russia's war on Ukraine has been going on for over a year, and its citizens are paying the price for a war they did not ask for. This war infringes on treaties and constitutions concerning Russia's involvement, rendering bans specifically in the Olympics and Paralympics. Unity is at its utmost value during these games, and because of the ongoing turmoil, a ban against Russia and Belarus's participation by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was invoked. While many of these countries' citizens denounce the government's actions, their athletes face the consequences, but is the decision against Russia in line with IPC values?

    There are four core principles that the Paralympics stands for, courage, determination, inspiration, and equality. When deciding to ban countries, their constitution and values are at stake. In an article describing the IPC decision, the committee comments that they are upholding fundamental ethical principles. I believe the judgment they are making surrounding the events is called for, as there is a duty to protect those four core principles. Additionally, there was a violation of the Olympic truce, which respects the power of sport to promote peace. Although there is no fairness in being banned, there is still an ability to appeal their decision, which Russia and Belarus did, but were denied. Moreover, the decision to ban Russia and Belarus based on uniting under sports emphasizes the Paralympic's values. 

    There appears to be no end to this war, and with many articles offering their predictions, there is no definitive answer. As it persists, many of their athletes wish for the war to stop. Russian tennis player, Daniil Mendev, in a post-match interview shares his want for peace, and another player, Andrey Rublev, writes "No War Please" on the camera after winning a match. With this uncertainty, athletes from these countries should not participate in future Olympic and Paralympic games. An NBC article highlighting the IPC ban on Russia reasons that safety in the athlete village was difficult to maintain if the Russian athletes were there. Furthermore, disabled sports should not be held in Russia and Belarus, considering the current events. The safety of everyone has the utmost importance in global events such as the Paralympics and Olympics, and achieving this means that Paralympic and Olympic athletes should not attend, nor should events be held in participating countries. Equally important, is if athletes from these countries should be allowed to participate in sports outside of Russia and Belarus. I believe they should be allowed to, but as mentioned earlier, their safety is at risk. Moreover, many countries have refused to give visas to Russian and Belarus athletes as mentioned in NBC.

    Given the gravity of the war, the decision of the IPC to ban Russia and Belarus upholds the promotion of peace and values through these sports. Moreover, athletes from Russia and Belarus should not be permitted to participate in future Olympic and Paralympic games, as there is a safety concern for both athletes from these countries and others. Because many other countries do not support the war, there is difficulty in getting visas for these athletes, and their safety is jeopardized when attending events outside of Russia and Belarus. Making decisions like this is not easy for the IPC, but safety, well-being, and values are protected.