Statement of the Georgian Paralympic Committee

Statement of the Georgian Paralympic Committee

The Georgian Paralympic Committee responds to the talk-shows “Politmeter” broadcasted on TV channel “Formula”, on November 13, where one of the respondents mentioned the Paralympians and the Paralympic movement in an abusive context, thus helping to stir up stigma and stereotypes towards people with disabilities.

It is critically disturbing that this discriminatory approach, which took place live, was not protested by the host and the people involved. Paralympic sport is a sport of high achievements and we are proud of the success and results of Georgian Para athletes. Such approaches insult the Paralympic idea and promote discrimination against persons with disabilities.

The Georgian Paralympic Committee and our para-athletes demand in the upcoming program of "Politmeter" that the presenters make a relevant statement and apologize to the Georgian Paralympians.

The Georgian Paralympic Committee must apply the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics so that the discriminatory and stigmatizing statements or approaches against not only Paralympic athletes, but also persons with disabilities are not found in the media.