07 March 2014, 21:56
Paralympic Games launched in Sochi
In Sochi, the opening ceremony held at the Olympic stadium "Fisht" launched the 11th Paralympic Winter Games. The Paralympics will be performed by 575 athletes from 45 countries – the largest number of participating countries in the history of the Paralympic Games.
During ten days they will compete for 72 sets of medals in alpine skiing, biathlon, cross country skiing, ice sledge hockey and curling in wheelchairs. Athletes will compete in para-snowboarding for the first time ever.
Let us remind you that the USA, UK and several other countries announced a political boycott to the Paralympic Games in Sochi, which has become a response to Russia's actions in relation to events in Ukraine. In this context, Philip Craven, the President of the International Paralympic Committee, issued a statement condemning the decision of G-8 heads of States.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 4 a possible boycott of the 2014 Paralympics was declared by Dmitry Bulatov, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. Later, however, the Ukrainian team decided to take part in the competitions.
