The Ministry of Youth and Sports has stated that it was unaware of the participation of the Paralympic team in any Oslo marathon. According to the Ministry, whenever an event of this nature is scheduled, the Ministry receives technical recommendations from the National Sports Authority. Based on these recommendations, the Ministry submits the names of athletes set to participate in the competition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate visa acquisition.
“In relation to visa assistance and travel arrangements for athletes, the Ministry of Youth and Sports works upon technical recommendations of the National Sports Authority (NSA). Federations submit requests for visa assistance for athletes who are to participate in any international competition. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports then transmits a communication of the requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to facilitate the acquisition of the relevant visas with the appropriate embassies and consulate offices,” the release dated July 21, signed by the Public Relations unit.
However, in the case of the Paralympic team, the Ministry said it had not received any communication from the National Sports Authority. “In the Norwegian incident, the Ministry of Youth and Sports did not receive any communication from the National Sports Authority, nor the National Paralympic Committee on the said competition and therefore was unaware of the participation of the Paralympic team In the Marathon,” portion of the release added.
Meanwhile, the ministry assured that it was actively working with relevant authorities to investigate the matter to ascertain the issues surrounding the incident. “We therefore wish to assure the public that, the appropriate punitive measures will be meted out to whoever is found culpable in this incident when the findings of the Investigations are finalised. Measures would be strengthened to avoid the occurrence of similar Incidents In the future.
The release advised Embassies to verify visa requests for sporting competitions and tournaments with the ministry “Especially those purporting to represent the Country in a national capacity” before approval.
