Boycott of Paralympics Opening Ceremony Grows

1st March 2026

Many countries have announced they will not attend the event if the Russian or Belarusian national anthems are played.

One week before the opening of the Milan-Cortina Paralympic Games more delegations have announced they will not attend the opening ceremony in Verona.

Their protest is over the inclusion of Russian athletes competing under their own flag.

Ukraine was the first to boycott the event.

Finland followed, joining a list that already included Latvia, Poland and the Netherlands.

Canada and Great Britain have also been cited in this context, with some references pointing to logistical constraints alongside ideological objection.

More than 600 athletes from over 50 countries are expected to compete at the Games.

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Winter Olympic Games. Image c/o PlanetSKI