Cheers and boos for Russia
Photo: Antonio Calanni /AP/TT

Cheers and boos for Russia at Paralympics opening ceremony in Verona

Russia and Belarus made a controversial entrance during the opening ceremony of the Paralympics. According to AFP, Russia was met with boos from the crowd in Verona.

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The controversial decision to allow the two countries to compete under their own flags at the Paralympics came from the International Paralympic Committee last fall, after a vote by its member countries.

As a result, Ukraine, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Canada, Croatia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Germany all boycotted the opening of the Games.

Sweden did not participate either. At first, it was announced that the decision was made for logistical reasons, but on Friday, Bo Sköld, secretary general of the Swedish Paralympic Committee, told SVT:

It is to show solidarity and respect for Ukraine.

The Paralympics in Milano-Cortina runs until March 15.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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