Loud applause greets volunteers carrying Ukraine flag
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The Russian flag was flown at an international sporting event for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine on Friday night, an act met largely by silence, as the Winter Paralympic Games got under way with a high-end opening ceremony in Verona.
Dance, music and visual art combined in a beguiling hour-long performance, celebrating the Paralympic movement and stressing the importance of physical access for people with disabilities, all in a Roman amphitheatre made accessible just for the event. But the eyes of the crowd and a global audience were on the parade of athletes passing into the Arena di Verona.
With as many as half the 56 competing countries choosing not to send athletes to the ceremony, some in protest, others in preparation for the Games, the athletes’ procession was less joyous than is customary and all flags were carried by local volunteers. Each country was welcomed on to the stage warmly, however, but when four Russian athletes emerged there was noise only from the Russian delegation who cheered and waved flags. When volunteers carrying the flag of Ukraine entered the arena shortly after, the applause was loud and widespread.
