VERONA - Multiple countries including Ukraine, Finland, and Germany are boycotting the Paralympics opening ceremony in Verona, Italy, in protest against Russian and Belarusian athletes being allowed to compete under their own national flags. The boycott comes as the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has permitted athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate with full national symbols, unlike the February Olympics where they competed under neutral flags due to Russia's war against Ukraine.
Swedish Sports Minister Jakob Forssmed (Christian Democrats) is also boycotting the ceremony, stating: "Then parasport will have to answer for its positions. That's the order we have in Sweden - that you answer yourself for the positions you take." Forssmed criticized the IPC's decision as "deplorable, abominable action" and has altered his travel plans to avoid events where Russian or Belarusian athletes participate.
the absence is a mark of respect for Ukraine
While Sweden as a nation is not officially boycotting the ceremony, the Swedish Paralympic team will not attend due to logistical reasons, according to Bo Sköld, Secretary General of the Swedish Paralympic Committee. The team's absence is also described as an act of solidarity with Ukraine.
Other countries joining the boycott include Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Canada, Croatia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in international sports over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in major competitions.
it is dreadful and abominable that the Russian flag can fly and the national anthem can be played if they win, while Ukrainians cannot even wear a jacket with a stylized map image because it is considered politically provocative