MOSCOW, Mar 4 Special World Winter Olympics to be held in 2023, moved from Kazan due to the aggravation of Russian-Ukrainian relations, according to the website of Special Olympics International. «We can no longer ensure the effectiveness of the Games in Kazan and the safety of our athletes and society. This cancellation is devastating for us, for our athletes in Ukraine, Russia and around the world who have been preparing for the competition for years We are grateful to the people in Russia and around the world who have worked for years to ensure that these Games are a success, and until they take place, we are committed to continue to work with the program of the Special Olympics now and in the future,” the statement says. It is noted that the decision to cancel the Games in Kazan was made in connection with the military operation in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia by the world community. “We remain unwavering committed to our athletes regardless of political, national or other boundaries. We are a community of people who are willing to stop at nothing to build a global movement of inclusion, where our athletes lead by word, vision and example. In the days, months and years ahead, we will focus on this mission in new and even more powerful ways,» the statement added.
