German athletes will boycott the Parade of Nations at the Milano Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony on Friday, March 4. The German Paralympic Committee announced the decision as an expression of solidarity with Ukraine.
This move follows Russia and Belarus being granted participating spots amid the ongoing war. At least eight other teams are expected to boycott the ceremony.
"This decision serves both to focus on the upcoming competitions and to respectfully express our solidarity with the Ukrainian delegation," stated the German Paralympic Committee. German para athletes will still participate in pre-recorded segments broadcast during the ceremony.
The International Paralympic Committee anticipates a record number of over 600 athletes at the Games. Among registered competitors are 10 from Russia and Belarus, following the lifting of sanctions against their national Paralympic committees.