Ukraine Tweaks Paralympic Uniform After IPC National Identity Ban

MILAN, March 3 - Ukraine has altered a planned uniform for the Paralympic Games after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) banned items related to national identity. The original design featured a map of Ukraine. An alternative uniform was approved within 24 hours by the IPC.

IPC rules prohibit national anthem lyrics, motivational words, and public or political messages concerning national identity. A country's map falls under this restriction, according to IPC Chief Brand and Communications Officer Craig Spence. This decision follows an earlier incident where a Ukrainian skeleton racer was disqualified for a helmet design referencing athletes killed in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine had also announced a boycott of the Paralympic opening ceremony due to the IPC's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags.