Latvia's Paralympic delegation has announced it will boycott the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games if representatives from aggressor nations, particularly Russia, are in attendance.
The Latvian Paralympic delegation has selected wheelchair curlers Poļina Rožkova and Agris Lasmans as their flag bearers for the upcoming Paralympic Games. However, due to concerns regarding the attendance of representatives from aggressor countries like Russia, the participation of the Latvian delegation in the opening ceremony is under serious question. As the opening event will occur in Verona, while the wheelchair mixed doubles tournament will have already started, the delegation plans to film their flag bearers remotely to share with the public during the ceremony.
Latvian Paralympic Committee President Daiga Dadzīte highlighted the delegation's strong desire to attend the opening ceremony but emphasized that their presence hinges on the absence of representatives from aggressor states. She unequivocally stated that if the Russian flag is present in the stadium, the Latvian delegation will not carry their flag. This decision underscores Latvia's firm stance against any form of collaboration or visibility with nations viewed as aggressors in the current international context.
The delegation's planned remote recording and sharing of the flag bearers is intended to honor their athletes while maintaining their principles regarding international relations and participation in events with countries they consider hostile. The situation reflects broader tensions in global sports where geopolitical issues directly influence participation and representation, raising questions about the spirit of competition and inclusivity at the Paralympic Games.
