More Soviet withdrawals

Press, 12 June 1984, Page 22

More Soviet withdrawals

NZPA-AP New York The Soviet Union has withdrawn from the 1984 International Games for the Disabled, scheduled to be held this month on Long Island, New York. The Games Director, Mike Muchette, said Games officials received word of the withdrawal via mailgram. He said the message read: “The U.S.S.R. blind athletic team will not participate in the 1984 Games for the Disabled on Long Island. Please refund entry fee.”

The Soviet announcement comes on the heels of their decision not to attend the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Soviets said in that case that security was not adequate, among other reasons. Mr Muchette said the Soviets previously had sent a telegram, asking that they be permitted to send a larger delegation than the team of 18 that had been planned. This year was to be the first time that the Soviets and China had sent delegations to the Games. The Games start on June

16 and run through to the end of the month. Over 2000 athletes from more than 50 countries have accepted invitations to compete in 20 Olympic-style event All of the athletes suffer from some physical handicap. The Soviet Union has also pulled out of the Kiel international sailing week, from June 17 to 24, because South African competitors will take part. The Soviet Union had provisionally entered seven boats. East Germany had previously cancelled its entry for the same reason.