Scots disability campaigners hit out at Paralympic crisis

PARALYMPIC athletes from around the world should get support to ensure they are able to attend the crisis-hit event in Rio as planned, according to Scottish disability campaigners and athletes.

Their call comes after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced drastic budget cuts on Friday that will see the closure of the Deodoro Olympic Park, the games’ second-largest stadium, and reduce the workforce and available transport. Although delayed travel grants worth £7 million will now be paid to athletes, 10 countries may struggle to get teams to Rio according to the IPC.

The funding crisis is being blamed on poor ticket sales of just 12 per cent as well as Brazil’s struggling economy.

However, campaigners have expressed dismay that the blow, which almost saw the plug pulled 19 days before it was due to start, comes just four years after the movement received an unprecedented boost during London 2012.

Long-jumper Stef Reid, one of six Scottish athletes selected to attend the games in Rio, said the emphasis should be on finding solutions to help those whose attendance was in jeopardy.

“It is disappointing to hear that some of our budget was spent on the Olympics,” she added. “But the important thing is that we try to find a way of making sure that all the athletes get there. I don’t need the frills. As long as there is still a meet that respects the athletes and that they can all attend – that’s what counts.”

Scottish disability campaigner Jamie Szymkowiak added: “It would be a failure of the Olympic movement if disabled athletes, who have dedicated the last four years of their lives preparing for the Rio Games, were unable to participate due to the proposed cost-cutting.

“Perhaps the IPC could spend the next two weeks reaching out to the wealthier nations and sponsors to ensure that doesn’t happen – that truly would display the Olympic spirit and an inclusive Games. It’s difficult for the committee as this is happening in a country in obvious political turmoil but lessons need to be learned. It brings across the point that disabled people are still treated like second class citizens.”

Other Scottish athletes due to attend the Paralympic Games include world IPC medallists Jo Butterfield and Maria Lyle, sprinter Libby Clegg, wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn and marathon runner Derek Rae.

“London 2012 proudly showed the world what was possible and we want Rio to be the next stage of that positive journey,” the British Paralympic Association said in a statement. “The IPC’s announcement makes clear that there is major risk to that.”