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The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics open this Friday in Verona amid significant controversy and an international boycott.
Several nations are protesting the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags for the first time since 2014, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Consequently, Ukraine is leading a boycott of the opening ceremony, supported by the Czech Republic, Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states.
Additionally, Britain and France have declined to send government officials, while many athletes from Western nations are skipping the event to focus on their upcoming performances.
IPC President Andrew Parsons expressed surprise at the renewed backlash, noting that the decision was finalised months ago following a General Assembly vote and a supportive ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
While Parsons acknowledged that global conflicts during the Games constitute a breach of the Olympic truce, he clarified that such breaches do not violate the IPC constitution.
The organisation has expressed hope that the focus will eventually shift toward the athletic achievements of the more than 600 competitors participating in the 50th anniversary of the Games.
The competition features six sports held across Milan, Cortina, and Val di Fiemme until March 15.
Notable athletes to watch include British snowboarder Davy Zyw, the first person with motor neurone disease to compete in the Winter Paralympics, and Australia’s Lauren Parker, a dual Summer Games gold medallist making her winter debut.
Additionally, David Chavez will make history as the first athlete from El Salvador to participate in any Winter Games.
