Russia Launches ‘Alternative Paralympics’ Following Team’s Blanket Ban From Rio

Alternative "Paralympic Games" kicked off in Moscow and Crimea in the wake of the entire Russian national team being banned from participating in the Rio Paralympics, with sporting events scheduled for Thursday and Friday in the capital region.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The opening ceremony, held Wednesday, came as Brazil was set to announce the opening of the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro later that day.

The ceremony, held at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow, included a parade of athletes similar to the one held during the Rio Olympic Games’ opening, as well as a concert.

Over 260 athletes will be taking part in the contests. The paralympians will compete in seven disciplines, while workshops on 11 other sports will be held in the framework of the Games. The contests will be held at the Novogorsk training center, as well as Moscow’s Ozero Krugloye and Krylatskoe sports centers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in August that the participants of the alternative tournament would receive the same prize money as they would have at the Rio Paralympics.

Russia was suspended from the Rio Paralympics by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in early August. The IPC cited Russia's alleged failure to comply with the the organization’s anti-doping rules as the reason behind its decision.