The Minister of Education and Science, Dace Melbarde, in an official letter to the President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons, expressed strong condemnation of the IPC's decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in the upcoming Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo.
In a letter, the minister points out that as a result of the IPC's decision, participation in the upcoming Paralympic Games will be prohibited for Latvian skier Mārtiņš Oliņš.
D. Melbarde notes that this is a clear injustice towards Latvia and other countries that respect international law and generally accepted human rights norms.
The Minister of Education and Science announced that she has decided not to attend the upcoming Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo as long as the decision allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags remains in effect.
According to the minister, Latvia's historical and contemporary experience shows that in Russia and Belarus, sports are part of state propaganda and a "soft power" strategy. Furthermore, some athletes have connections to armed and law enforcement structures, the minister claims.
"Allowing Russia and Belarus to participate in the Paralympic Games undermines faith in the fundamental principles of the Olympic and Paralympic movements — responsibility, fairness, and fair play," D. Melbarde stated.
