Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said that even though the Winter Olympics are over, organizers should not relax yet as the country still needs to put on a worthy Paralympics.
The organization of last month's Winter Games won near-universal praise, but four days ahead of the Paralympics opening ceremony in Sochi, Medvedev says the job is only half done.
"Let everybody know that no one should relax," Medvedev said Monday. "We need to show our best qualities."
A dark cloud has been cast over the prospective proceedings, however, with British Prime Minister David Cameron announcing over the weekend that his government would be dispatching no ministers to attend the event in protest at Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach lauded the organization of the Sochi Games as excellent, presiding over his first Olympics since his election in September.
Paralympians from 44 nations have been steadily arriving at the Black Sea resort over the last few days ahead of the competition, which sees 700 competitors shoot for medals in 64 events.
The five sports are alpine skiing, sledge hockey, wheelchair curling, biathlon and cross-country skiing.
Competitions will run through until March 16.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
