Фото: olympics.com
Several countries have refused to take part in the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympic Games, which will take place this evening in Verona.
“Seven National Paralympic Committees have stated that they will not participate for political reasons. These are: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine,” the International Paralympic Committee said.
Athletes from 28 countries are expected to participate in the ceremony. Some countries have also declined to send their athletes to the event, citing competitions scheduled for Saturday morning.
In addition, the Netherlands Paralympic Committee said its officials would not attend events where Russian or Belarusian state flags would be displayed or national anthems performed. Dutch athletes will decide individually whether to attend medal ceremonies if Belarusian or Russian athletes are awarded medals under their national flags.
Germany said its team would not participate in the opening ceremony in solidarity with Ukraine and because it needs to focus on the upcoming competitions.
The International Paralympic Committee has allowed athletes from Belarus and Russia to participate in the Paralympic Games under their national flags.