Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – In a shift from their earlier stance, the German Paralympic team will participate in the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Winter Games in Northern Italy on Sunday. The decision comes after the team opted not to participate in the opening ceremony held in Verona last Friday. “In close coordination with the team, we had already signaled our position before and at the beginning of the Paralympic Games. Now we will accompany them in experiencing a joint, emotional conclusion to these Games at the Curling Stadium in Cortina,” a spokesperson for the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) stated, according to the news agency SID.
The German team’s absence from the opening ceremony was a demonstration of solidarity with the Ukrainian delegation and a response to the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete. Only 28 of the 55 participating nations took part in the opening ceremony. The DBS explained at the time that the decision reflected a focus on the upcoming competitions and a desire to respectfully express support for Ukraine.
Russian Athletes Compete Under Their Own Flag
The IPC’s decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under their own flag, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sparked controversy. This differed from the Olympic Winter Games, where Russian athletes were not permitted to compete under their national flag. The decision prompted demonstrations of protest from several athletes during the Games.
Notably, cross-country skier Linn Kazmaier and her guide Florian Baumann visibly protested the inclusion of Russian athletes during a medal ceremony. After Russian gold medalist Anastasija Bagijan was honored, the German duo demonstratively kept their hats on and refused to participate in the customary winner’s selfie, according to reports.
The Ukrainian team as well voiced concerns to the IPC, alleging repression. Oleksandra Kononowa, after winning a biathlon sprint, was reportedly asked by an IPC representative to remove earrings featuring the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag and the words “Stop War,” as reported by the IPC itself.
The participation in the closing ceremony represents a change in approach. Unlike the opening ceremony, which was limited to two athletes and two officials from each nation, all participants from the Cortina and Tesero clusters (Alpine Skiing, Snowboard, Wheelchair Curling, Biathlon, and Cross-Country Skiing) are invited to attend the closing ceremony at the Curling Stadium in Cortina.
The German team’s journey at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has been notable. According to the DBS, the team consists of 40 athletes and eight guides, making it the second-largest German team in Paralympic Winter Games history, surpassed only by the 1994 Lillehammer Games. Approximately half of the team – 20 athletes – are making their Paralympic debut, with a significant 13 of those newcomers competing in Para Ice Hockey, marking the team’s return to the sport after a 20-year absence. Four players – Sebastian Disveld, Frank Rennhack, Sven Stumpe, and Jörg Wedde – are competing in their second Paralympic Games, with Wedde, at 60 years old, being the oldest member of Team D Paralympics. The youngest athlete is Para alpine skier Maya Fügenschuh, at 17 years old.
The Games, running from March 6th to 15th, are being held across four Italian cities: Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tesero, and Verona. This marks the first time the Winter Paralympics have returned to the European Alps in two decades. In addition to the athletes, a support team of 49 individuals is accompanying Team Germany.
The decision to participate in the closing ceremony signals a move towards focusing on the shared experience of the Games and celebrating the achievements of all athletes. While the initial boycott of the opening ceremony was a powerful statement of solidarity, the German team has now chosen to accompany their athletes in bringing the Games to a close.
The Paralympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina are scheduled to conclude on March 15th. Further updates and results can be found on the official Team Germany Paralympics website: https://www.teamdeutschland-paralympics.de/news/details/mailand-und-cortina-2026-zahlen-daten-fakten-zum-team-d-paralympics
