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sports22h ago
Seven countries boycott Paralympic opening ceremony after controversial decision
- Seven countries will skip the Paralympics opening ceremony in protest of the IPC decision on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
- The IPC allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flag this year, unlike the Olympics.
- UK officials said the Russian and Belarusian participation should not be represented in international sport while the invasion continues.
- IPC President Andrew Parsons defended the democratic process behind the decision.
- Parsons emphasised that the Paralympics aim to showcase social change and disability inclusion.
- IPC says the Paralympics focus on delivering the Games and promoting inclusion for 1.3 billion people with disabilities.
- Opening ceremony will occur in Milan at the Arena di Verona as part of the Games' cultural program.
- Several nations are sending fewer athletes or officials to the opening ceremony due to the boycott.
- Team GB voiced opposition to the IPC's inclusion of Russian athletes at the Paralympics.
- Paralympics opening ceremony controversy centers on Russia and Belarus participation amid the Ukraine conflict.
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