MINSK, 22 March (BelTA) - Russia has proved that it can organize and hold any sporting event of the highest level in the shortest possible time, Chairman of the Belarusian Paralympic Committee Oleg Shepel said in a letter of gratitude to the Paralympic Committee of Russia.
"On behalf of athletes, coaches, specialists of the national Paralympic team of the Republic of Belarus in winter sports, the executive committee of the Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus I would like to express sincere gratitude to Pavel Rozhkov [acting president of the Paralympic Committee of Russia] and all employees for the well-organized Alternative Winter Paralympic Games held under the motto “We are Together. Sports”. I would also like to extend special thanks to the administration of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Ugra and all its services, employees and specialists who provided excellent accommodation and sports conditions. The Belarusian delegation will hold the warmest memories of Khanty-Mansiysk's hospitality, cordiality and warmth for many years to come. The Organizing Committee ensured the excellent operation and interaction of all services involved in the organization of the competitions, which became an unforgettable holiday of friendship and sports, demonstrated unbending will and strength of spirit. Russia has once again proved that it can organize any sporting event of the highest level in the shortest possible time. Once again, we thank you for the initiative, for providing the opportunity to Paralympic athletes to show their skills in the arenas of Ugra and express hope for further fruitful cooperation," the letter reads.
The Alternative Winter Paralympic Games “We are Together. Sports” featured athletes from Belarus, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. The competition program of the Games included six sports: cross-country skiing, biathlon, curling, snowboarding, alpine skiing and sledge ice hockey. Belarus fielded 16 athletes who were supposed to perform at the Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing. The Belarusian national team won five golds, two silvers and nine bronzes.
