Russia Signs New Olympic And Paralympic Law
Dmitry Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation, signed a law bringing relevant national legislation in line with international best practices for nations hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
According to a press release the new law makes amendments to existing Russian legislation, covering the organization of the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and procedures for entry to and exit from Russia.
The updated legislation ensures the Paralympic Games has equal status to the Olympic Games. The Sochi 2014 Games organization is now regulated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in accordance with the IOC Olympic Charter and the IPC Handbook. In the past Russia's laws have made reference to the IOC Olympic Charter and not to the IPC Handbook, now covered by the new amendments.
The new law will also result in several positive practical results, including the introduction of the concept of a Paralympic Identification and Accreditation Card which will be issued by the IPC and Sochi 2014. This card will allow members of the Paralympic Family, including athletes, to enter Russia without a visa. Members of the Olympic Family already have this privilege.
The law was accepted by the State Duma on June 5 and approved by the Council of the Russian Federation June 17.
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