“Opponent Doesn’t Have to Be an Enemy”- IPC President Calls for Peace as Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Affects Beijing Winter Paralympics 2022
Follow Us
After much anxiety, the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics is underway. Significantly, the ongoing global tensions between Ukraine and Russia have seen many issues arise in the community. Hence, during the opening ceremony of the prestigious sports event, Andrew Parsons delivered a moving speech. President of the International Paralympic Committee, Parsons, called for peace amidst the ongoing crisis.
"Tonight I want and must begin with a message of peace"
International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons delivers his opening ceremony speech pic.twitter.com/b8wAcAjktP
— CBC Sports (@cbcsports) March 4, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As Ukraine appeared for the Parade of Nations ceremony, it looked incredible to watch as fans in attendance gave them a stunning ovation and showed their support. Thus, Parsons gave an inspiring speech to leaders of the world.
Parsons delivers the keynote
The ongoing crisis has become very serious. The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee president, Valeriy Sushkevych, opened up on the troubles of his country, appearing at the Winter Paralympics. Thus, his nation arrived at the Parade of Nations and waved their flag proudly. As sport binds fractured relationships, IPC president Andrew Parsons, mentioned the ongoing crisis and wanted a solution to end the current state of affairs between Russia and Ukraine.
“I must begin with a message of peace. I am horrified at what is taking place in the world right now. The 21st time is a time for dialogue not war. The Olympic Truce was adopted at the UN General Assembly, it must be observed not broken. Athletes from 46 nations will compete with each other, not against each other. They will showcase the best of humanity. An opponent does not have to be an enemy. The Paralympic Movement calls on world authorities to promote peace, understanding and inclusion,” said Parsons.
Trending
Fresh Controversy Brews After Sha’Carri Richardson and Team USA ‘Outfit’ Fallout As Athlete Robbed of Paris Olympics Dream Over Sponsorship
May 01, 2024 04:27 PM EDT
‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia
May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT
Racing Community Goes Berserk as Tony Stewart Drops Surprising ‘Fans Double’ Announcement Amidst Indy Return
May 03, 2024 01:47 PM EDT
“He’s Not Stuck in Dubai”: Floyd Mayweather’s $30,000 Act of Kindness Towards Homeless Men in LA Raises Questions About Gervonta Davis’ Bombshell Claim
May 03, 2024 06:58 AM EDT
“Snotty Brat”: Cormani McClain Faces Reality Check as His Mom Labels Deion Sanders a Liar
May 03, 2024 05:26 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“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
“Deserve to Get That Medal”: Nathan Chen Disheartened For Not Receiving His Medal Due to Russian Conflict at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
It comes as a major international crisis as the president calls for the leaders to find peace and understanding with the current problem.
Russia banned at Beijing Winter Paralympics 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Moreover, the global tensions have forced the committee to withdraw Russian and Belarussian athletes from the Beijing Winter Paralympics. The International Paralympic Committee allowed the athletes from the country to compete as “neutrals” to give them a chance to compete.
IPC president Andrew Parsons opens his speech at Paralympics opening ceremony: "I want, I must begin with a message of peace. . . I am horrified at what is taking place in the world right now."
— Lori Ewing (@Ewingsports) March 4, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY- Lindsey Vonn And Dwayne The Rock Johnson- Everything You Need To Know About This heartwarming friendship
To sum up, maintaining peace is important for everyone involved. The IPC president gave a brilliant speech which is now heard in every corner of the world. Hopefully, a peaceful decision comes out of it.