Exclusive from Sochi: UN Says Honor Olympic Truce; Ukraine Boycott Tallks

(ATR) United Nations special adviser on sport Wilfried Lemke today pleaded for politicians to honor the Olympic Truce.

Lemke delivered a powerful speech at the Paralympic Wall unveiling ceremony in Sochi’s Paralympic Coastal Village. It was attended by International Paralympic Committee president Philip Craven, Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak and Sochi 2014 CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko.

Following speeches by Kozak and Craven, Lemke took to the podium on a warm and sunny morning in Sochi.

"We all know that we have to respect the Olympic Truce," Lemke said. "These days and not only these days, we have military conflicts all around the world and I know exactly that this is not a political event.

"With all my spirits and all my emotions, I believe in the power sport and I believe in the power of peace, so we should not forget this during these upcoming days," Lemke said.

"Peace is the most important thing in our lives beside health, so this is an important message as we start the Paralympic Games here in Sochi," he added, concluding his speech by praising the Olympics as "fantastic Games".

Lemke’s plea comes as NATO announced it is halting ties with Moscow over the ongoing conflict in Crimea.

Ukraine Undecided on Participation

Ukraine still remains undecided over whether to boycott the Paralympics in reaction to Russia's occupation of the Crimea region, as Germany announced it would not send government officials to Sochi in protest against the host nation's incursion.

IPC spokesman Craig Spence told the RIA Novosti news agency that IPC president Philip Craven had held "a very long and productive meeting" Wednesday night with officials from the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee.

"They are still weighing up their options as the situation changes back home," Spence was quoted as saying. "I hope that we’ll get a decision within the next 48 hours, because I think this uncertainty doesn’t help anyone, especially not the athletes who want to focus on the sport."

The IPC is monitoring the developing crisis Thursday.

Significance of Paralympics & Wall Ceremony

The transparent wall signed by Sochi 2014 dignitaries,Paralympic athletes and guests is a longstanding tradition within the Paralympic Movement. It commemorates the United Nations Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities.

"Our country has undertaken the responsibility to create a barrier-free environment and to change the whole attitude in society towards people with impairments," said Kozak in his speech today. "For us to deliver that is one of the most important parts of the legacy of the Paralympic Games."

On the wall is inscribed: "Inspired by the participants of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, their achievements, courage and determination, we commit to a world without barriers and limits to the human abilities."

IPC chief Craven said: "I was delighted last month that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, that like millions of others he was inspired by the performances of Paralympians. Sports has a unique ability to change the world and since the first Paralympics in 1960, Para-athletes, through their amazing feats of endeavor have developed a track record of contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society."

Paralympics Ambassador on Boycotts

U.S. sit-skier and hand cyclist Muffy Davis, an influential personality in the Paralympic movement since she first competed at Nagano 1998, attended today's ceremony.

The three-time Paralympian, who is serving as an ambassador for the IPC in Sochi, said she was disappointed that officials from a host of nations are boycotting the Games in protest against Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.

"It’s very unfortunate timing," Davis said. "I’m sad that the U.S. White House delegation is not going to be here. I guess my frustration is trying to separate sport and politics. As leaders of countries, they feel it sends a message and that’s what they have to do, but we’re here and we’re going to have great sporting events," she said.

Davis won a bronze medal in Nagano and then claimed three silver medals at Salt Lake City 2002. After retiring from competitive skiing and having a child, Davis took up hand cycling in 2010, quickly rising to the top of her sport and winning three gold medals at London 2012.

"There are no perfect Games, every Games has issues leading up to it," Davis added. "Everyone has been amazing here and is very excited, so it’s going to be fabulous."

Written by Brian Pinelli in Sochi.

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