Many Russians, and Nizhny Novgorod including, sincerely worried about the suspension of our Paralympic team from participating in the 2016 Paralympics. Wheelchair users decided to support athletes with more than just words, but also deed. 19 August, the regional public organization of disabled people "Invatur" held an action in support of the Russian team. The action took the form of training in various sports at the sports club "FizKult-Meshchera".
We will support our
In total, the order was attended by 15 athletes. Participants of NROOI "Invatur" held a training, which included RPT on adaptive simulators, wheelchair slalom, fencing and boccia game. Wheelchair users wanted the whole region and not only to show, that people with disabilities also play sports.
- The slalom in the wheelchair is, to drive a snake past the posts and not touch them. We are still mastering fencing, - said the chairman of the organization "Invatur" Andrei Bulanov. - The guys liked it.
Recall, that the Invatur organization itself already exists 20 years old. Ten years ago, Andrei Bulanov joined her, who was injured and became an invalid of the first group in 2003 year. A few years ago, wheelchair athletes began to practice on the basis of the FizKult sports club.
- There are special trainers for wheelchairs, - stressed the chairman. - As well as the ability of a disabled person to go down into the bowl and visit the pool. Our athletes are very active.. for example, in September we will participate in regional bocce competitions, which will be held in the FOC "District". And in October we’ll go to a sports festival in Sochi.
By the way, this fall the international festival in Sochi will be held for the sixth time. From last year’s trip to the capital of the 2014 Winter Olympics, Invatura athletes brought 31 award and seven first adult orienteering categories. Among the owners of this achievement and Andrei Bulanov.
“We are confident in their victory”
Representative of the Ministry of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Elena Poponina, Head of the Department of Higher Performance Sports, told reporters at the event, that the Russian Paralympic delegation consists of fifteen Nizhny Novgorod residents and that the guys continue to work hard and believe in success.
- We understand the feelings of athletes, which over the years have been stubbornly preparing, passed qualifying competitions and are now in a state of uncertainty on the basis of undeserved accusations. We urge the guys not to give up, continue training, - noted Andrey Bulanov.
Member of the musical group "DNA" (Friends on Wheels) wheelchair user Mikhail Chetvertakov admits, that for him, the suspension of our athletes from participating in the Paralympics was a shock.
Slalom is one of the athletes' favorite destinations
- I remember, how our Paralympic literally “torn” everyone in Sochi in 2014 year. And for me, then still “fresh” wheelchair user, it was important: I was charged from them by fortitude, they became an example for me. Therefore, the problem of their inadmissibility is social, - Mikhail shared with the “Patriots of the Lower”. - On whom to follow and orient, so as not to give up, who just faced disability?
- Our people are not allowed, because we are sure of their victory, - Ivan Konovalov told reporters, promoter.
Disabled Athletes of the Invatur Organization Addressed President of the Russian Paralympic Committee Vladimir Lukin. “Punishment of the entire team in the absence of strong evidence of guilt, the discriminatory approach from the standpoint of the presumption of innocence constitutes a violation of human rights and freedoms ”, - the letter says.
- Yes, it is very unfair, but, I think, hope for a different outcome until the last second, - Mikhail Chetvertakov summed up. - Though, really, very sorry, that even politics intervened in Paralympic sports.
Natalya SIKERSKAYA
Unbroken by the Spirit
19.08.2016, nn-patriot.ru
