I boycotted Paralympics – and met athletes instead
Volt MEP Nela Riehl, Chair of the Committee on Culture, Education, Youth and Sports, has just returned from a visit to Milan. Initially planned as an official visit to the Paralympic Games, Riehl decided to boycott the event after Belarus and Russia were officially readmitted to the competitions.
“I’m shocked by the IPC’s decision to secretly sneak the two countries back into an international tournament”, Riehl said. “Both had been banned from such events – including the Olympic Winter Games in Italy earlier this year – after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Using the Paralympics as a vehicle to test the waters and let the aggressors openly fly their flags again violates basic moral principles, puts athletes under pressure and shows total disrespect for international law. This is why as the Chair of the Committee, together with Commissioner Micallef, I have chosen not to endorse this strategy through our official presence in Milan.”
Riehl decided to still go even without participating to the official events to show support for the Paralympic athletes and their achievements: “I decided to visit the Paralympic Village and meet with athletes outside the stadium. The Italian Ice Hockey Team thankfully took the time to welcome me and to discuss their experience – not from a political perspective, but from a sporting one. Drawing athletes into this geopolitical conflict puts them in an impossible position when all they should focus on is their sport. The Paralympics are more than a sports event – they promote inclusion and equal opportunities and challenge societal perceptions. It’s outrageous that this is damaged by political decisions. Competing next to Russian and Belarusian athletes not only flying their flags but also shamelessly using their readmission for blatant propaganda must feel especially awkward for Ukrainian athletes – and to anyone who still believes in international law.”
Riehl pointed out that this case sets a precedent but is bound to be repeated. “The Paralympics were a first case, but a next scandal is bound to happen: The Venice Biennale has also chosen to reopen the Russian pavilion, claiming freedom of culture. But there is a difference between protecting artistic exchange and supporting propaganda. I’m glad that the Italian Minister of Culture has made that clear, and that the EU Commission has threatened to stop funding for the Biennale if this plan goes through. I strongly believe we must use all the leverage we have to stop normalisation. EU money should not be used to support organisations who allow criminal states to participate in cultural and sports activities. As long as the brutal and illegal war in Ukraine is ongoing, Russia has no place on the international stage.”