The logistical challenge for the Ukrainian national team that is expected to participate in the Paralympics is greater than previously stated.
Last week, it seems that the squad managed to avoid extensive travel turmoil after Russia invaded Ukraine and therefore had time to arrive in China before the Games, which begin on March 4, but according to new information from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), only a few Ukrainian leaders have succeeded. connect - so far.
"Working hard"
"We have regular contact with Ukraine about their participation in the games, and we work hard behind the scenes to get them here," Craig Spence told AP.
According to Spence, the country's Paralympics have not yet arrived.
Sweden's squad leader Niclas Grön previously told TT that the Swedish accommodation is 50 meters from Ukraine's and that, in connection with Sweden arriving, he saw people on the spot.
At the time, the Ukrainian Paralympics seemed to have had problems getting the competition equipment there, according to what was said on the spot.
"The less we say, the better"
But IPC may have been tight-lipped for security reasons.
Spence does not want to reveal exactly where the squad is now either, with reference to the current security situation.
- The less we say about where they are, the better, says Spence.
But the trip has involved some logistical problems as China only approves entrants to the Games from certain selected airports, as part of the closed Paralympics bubble, he explains.
The IPC has condemned Russia's decision to violate the Olympic ceasefire and a discussion is currently underway on whether Russian and Belarusian parade athletes should be allowed to participate in the Games.
Right now, Russian athletes are allowed to compete under a neutral flag, for the Russian Olympic Committee, just like during the Olympics.