Madrid, May 18: The Irish government's decision to ask athletes from Asia not to come to the special Olympics for disabled athletes because of the SARS scare has stunned International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge.
"I am surprised," said Rogge yesterday after hearing the news. "I don't know why a government would restrict an athlete and let businessmen travel."
He added that athletes probably had a better immune system than the average person.
Earlier this week Irish health minister Michael Martin asked athletes from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines not to come next month for the games. Altogether 7,000 athletes are expected.
Mary Davies, chief executive of the Irish special Olympic committee said she was very disappointed by the decision.



Earlier this week Rogge warned sports chiefs not to panic or discriminate against Asian athletes because of SARS scare.



"We must not be over zealous," said Rogge. "We must be very careful not to discriminate against Asian athletes. We must not go beyond governments or the World Health Organisation (WHO)," he added.



The Irish government's decision has been criticised by the WHO, describing it as inconsistent with the latest guideline for controlling attendances at large events.



Last month the world badminton championships planned this week in Birmingham, were called off by the international federation because of SARS.



However, Paris will stage the world table tennis championships, with a strong Asian participation, later this week.


Bureau Report