Finland refused to participate in the opening ceremony of the Paralympics

Finland has decided not to participate in the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympic Games in Italy due to the lifting of restrictions on Russian athletes. This was stated on February 24 by the chairman of the Finnish Paralympic Committee, Sari Rautio, as quoted by Yle TV channel.

As specified, the Finnish Paralympic Committee decided to skip the opening ceremony, responding to an appeal from the Ukrainian side. In addition to Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Poland also canceled their participation in the solemn event. At the same time, athletes will not boycott the competitions themselves.

Rautio stated that Finland had previously voted against the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under national flags at a meeting of the organization, but this position did not receive a majority of votes. At the same time, the committee considers it impossible to ignore the political context, since, according to the Finnish side, sports events can be used for political purposes.

At the same time, the Finnish representatives stressed that the boycott of the ceremony was not directed against the competition itself. The athletes are going to be given the opportunity to focus on their performances, since sport, as noted in the committee, should remain a factor of unification.

The Great Return: Russian Paralympians allowed to perform with a flag

The International Paralympic Committee lifted restrictions for Russians, coming into conflict with the IOC

The press service of the Paralympic Games announced on February 20 that athletes from the Czech Republic would not take part in the opening ceremony. The relevant decision, as specified, was made by the Czech side because the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) lifted the measures restricting the participation of Russians in competitions.

Representatives of the Italian Paralympic Committee said on the same day that their organization adheres to the position of Russian athletes participating in the Paralympics under a neutral flag and without the national anthem.

On the same day, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga called for a boycott of the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympic Games in protest against the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in full-fledged competitions. On February 20, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called such statements undermining the principles of humanity and Olympism.

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