This is what the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games should look like. (AFP / HANDOUT)
This has to do with the war in Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukraine 2 years ago. Belarus is helping Russia in the war. That is why both countries are not allowed to take part in the Paralympic Games like all other countries. They are not allowed to send large teams to Paris with national flags.
However, certain athletes from Russia and Belarus are still allowed to take part. The athletes must have nothing to do with the war. And they are only allowed to take part as neutral athletes. That means: They don’t compete for their home countries. And when they win medals, the national anthem of Russia or Belarus is not played.
The organizers of the Paralympic Games are now saying: These athletes are allowed to take part in the competitions. But they are not allowed to take part in the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony. The Russian government says: This is unfair.