Organisers claim discrimination

The organisers of the Special Olympics have accused the expert group on SARS of discrimination against Special Olympics athletes, by asking participants from SARS-infected countries not to attend the games.

Mr Julian Davis, spokesman for the Special Olympics organising committee, last night said he was "surprised and disappointed" that the athletes had been singled out and called on the expert group to reverse their recommendation.

"We question any decision that discriminates against Special Olympics athletes over and above any person or group of persons travelling to Ireland from these countries."

The committee was "mindful" of the threat posed by SARS, he said, and had been working to ensure the health and safety of all concerned.

"The committee had been meeting with representatives of the expert group and were willing to put in place additional precautionary measures, over and above those recommended by WHO," said Mr Davis.

Delegations had been asked to undertake an isolation and medical screening programme for the required period either pre-departure or on arrival in this country, he added. There was, he said, a glaring inconsistency in continuing to allow general travel from SARS-infected countries while banning the special athletes.

"In light of this obvious inconsistency, the Games Organising Committee has asked the chief medical officer, Dr Jim Kiely, and the expert group to revisit their recommendation to the Minister," he added.