Milano-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Athletes from Ukraine will not participate in the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, multiple news outlets are reporting. The decision comes as a protest against the ongoing situation with Russian and Belarusian athletes being allowed to compete.
The Latvian Paralympic Committee has also announced it will not participate in the closing ceremony, according to Apollo.lv and 1188.lv. Latvia’s decision mirrors that of Ukraine, signaling a unified stance against the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under a neutral flag.
Reports from liepajniekiem.lv and Jauns.lv describe the atmosphere surrounding the Games as tense, with Ukrainian athletes expressing strong dissatisfaction with the IPC’s decision. One athlete was quoted as saying, “Šīs ir sliktākās spēles vēsturē” – “These are the worst games in history.”
The move by Ukraine and Latvia highlights the ongoing political complexities surrounding international sporting events and the challenges of balancing athletic competition with geopolitical concerns. The Paralympics, intended to showcase the resilience and determination of athletes with disabilities, are now also serving as a platform for protest and a statement against the ongoing conflict and the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
The Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo began on March 8, 2026, and are scheduled to conclude on March 17, 2026. The absence of these nations’ athletes from the closing ceremony will undoubtedly cast a shadow over the final day of competition.
