The European Commissioner for Intergenerational Justice, Youth, Culture, and Sport, Glenn Micallef, will not participate in the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Milan. He announced his decision on February 18, explaining it was due to the permission granted for athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Reasons for Boycotting the Opening Ceremony
According to Micallef, the key factor was the policy of the International Olympic Committee, which allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the Paralympics under national symbols. He emphasized that the return of flags, anthems, and uniforms of countries that continue aggression against Ukraine is unacceptable during the ongoing war.
“For this reason, I will not be present at the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. I do this out of respect for the athletes, but with a clear understanding of the principles at stake.”
Micallef stressed that sport can only unite when it adheres to principles and called on other politicians and officials to take a similar stance.
IOC Decision and Ukraine’s Reaction
On February 17, the International Olympic Committee announced that a limited number of athletes from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to participate in the Paralympics under their national flags. Russia received six licenses via a “wild card,” while Belarus received four. The IOC stated that these athletes would be granted the same conditions as representatives from other countries.
In response to this decision, Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Matviy Bidny, announced that the Ukrainian government would boycott the Paralympic Games in Italy.
The Paralympic Games will take place in Milan from March 6 to 15.