Latvia's Paralympic delegation has chosen to participate remotely in the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Verona, contingent on the absence of representatives from aggressor states like Russia.
Latvia's Paralympic delegation has selected wheelchair curlers Polina Rožkova and Agris Lasmans as flag bearers for the upcoming Paralympic Games. The opening ceremony is set to occur in Verona, while the wheelchair curling pairs tournament begins earlier. Thus, the Latvian flag's bearers will be filmed remotely to be broadcast during the opening event.
However, uncertainty looms over whether the Latvian flag will be present at the ceremony. Daiga Dadzīte, president of the Latvian Paralympic Committee, expressed the delegation's desire to participate, but emphasized that if representatives from aggressor states, particularly Russia, are present, Latvia's delegation will not take part. Dadzīte clearly stated, "If the Russian flag is at the stadium, then the Latvian flag will not be there. We as a delegation will not carry it."
The selected flag bearers are deserving of their honor, and the delegation intends to document their participation in Cortina and share it widely. While the athletes should not be blamed for the presence of Russian representatives, the Lithuanian delegation is taking a firm stance against any participation that may imply recognition of aggressor states at the ceremony, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding international sporting events today.
