88 Russian, 8 Belarusian Athletes To Compete As Neutrals In Paris Paralympics

A scene from this year's Paralympics torch relay

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced on August 26 that 88 Russian competitors will take part under a neutral banner at the Paris Paralympics. The games, which get under way on August 28, will also feature eight Belarusians competing as neutrals, IPC spokesman Craig Spence told a press conference. The IPC has overseen their gradual return as neutral participants in the Paralympics under strict conditions. A third-party agency was tasked with verifying that the potential competitors did not actively support Russia's invasion of Ukraine or have any links with their countries' militaries.