The XIV Winter Paralympic Games have begun in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, but the Czech delegation chose to boycott the opening ceremony held in Verona. This significant decision comes as a protest against the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under their own flags during a time of heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Czech team, which consists of a record 24 athletes, was joined in their protest by other countries such as Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, all of which expressed similar concerns about the matter.

The opening ceremony took place in the historical setting of the amphitheater in Verona, just weeks after the conclusion of the Olympics held in the same city. Italian President Sergio Mattarella delivered the traditional opening remarks, but the presence of only about half of the 55 participating countries highlighted the political ramifications surrounding the event. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) acknowledged that several nations chose to withdraw from participation due to political reasons, specifically the protest against Russian and Belarusian athletes competing despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While some countries cited logistical challenges and focused on competitions as their reasons for absence, the strong stance taken by nations like Czechia—reflected in their decision to boycott—signals a broader political sentiment in the context of international sports. The event, which runs until Sunday, March 15, 2023, may witness greater discussion and debate regarding the fairness and inclusivity of competitions amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, casting a shadow over the spirit of the games.