News – Russian Government

Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev presented state awards to the silver and bronze medalists of the XVII Paralympic Summer Games in Paris. The ceremony took place at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow.

Natalia Butkova, who won silver in the 200 m medley swimming among athletes with musculoskeletal impairments, and Anna Kulinich-Sorokina, winner of a silver medal in the javelin throw in the F13 category – for athletes with visual impairments, were awarded the Order of Friendship.

Another 18 athletes were awarded medals of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, I and II degrees, including Evgenia Galaktionova, Vladimir Danilenko, Artyom Kalashyan, Alan Kokoity, Elena Prokofieva, Kirill Pulver, Aliaskhab Ramazanov, Dmitry Safronov, Denis Tarasov, Zoya Shchurova , as well as Malyak Aliyeva, Irina Vertinskaya, Egor Efrosinin, Svetlana Krivenok, Anton Kulyatin, Bogdan Mozgovoy, Andrey Nikolaev, Victoria Slanova.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the corresponding decree on awarding awards in October. In accordance with the document, awards were also given to Victoria Ishchiulova, Vladimir Sotnikov, Nikita Kotukov, Georgy Margiev.

“Our Paralympians have always been role models that we look up to. And now, in the context of a special military operation, unprecedented sanctions being imposed against our country, and artificial attempts to limit the participation of our athletes in international competitions, their victories acquire absolutely sacred significance. They are great guys, and we are very grateful to them,” emphasized Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that positive movements are visible in relations with international organizations. He expressed confidence that politically engaged representatives will leave, but the athletes’ victories will remain.

According to Dmitry Chernyshenko, Russian athletes, especially Paralympians, will continue to inspire millions of children to play sports, believe in themselves and know that in our country all conditions have been created for the realization of opportunities and talents, as President Vladimir Putin instructed.

Mikhail Degtyarev noted that the Russian team performed brilliantly, winning 64 medals: 20 gold, 21 silver and 23 bronze.

“I express my sincere gratitude to the entire Paralympic delegation for the incredible will to win and outstanding achievements made possible thanks to the talent and titanic work of not only our Paralympic athletes, but also their coaches and other specialists. I would like to address special words of gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin for his continued support of the Russian Paralympic movement, which has always inspired millions of people around the world, proving that there are no boundaries for fortitude and determination,” said the Minister of Sports.

He added that our Paralympians always show high results on the world sports arena and in Paris they once again confirmed their champion status.

President Vladimir Putin presented state awards to the gold medal winners of the 2024 XVII Paralympic Summer Games. Eight champions received the Order of Honor, five received the Order of Friendship and one received the “For Services to the Fatherland” IV degree.

The XVII Paralympic Summer Games were held in Paris from August 28 to September 8. Russian athletes competed in 5 of 22 sports and won 20 gold, 21 silver and 23 bronze medals.