Dutch: Bunschoten-Vos en Kampschreur dragen vlag bij sluitingsceremonie

Dutch para-snowboarder Lisa Bunschoten-Vos and para-skiier Jeroen Kampschreur will represent the Netherlands at the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina, having both achieved medal success. This marks the end of the Dutch team’s competitive journey at the games. The event also highlights a unique logistical challenge for the Dutch delegation.

The decision not to send any Dutch officials to the closing ceremony in Cortina d’Ampezzo was a direct consequence of the ongoing participation of Russia and Belarus, who are not subject to the current international sporting sanctions. This created a complex situation for the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF), requiring them to prioritize the presence of their athletes. Seven of the eight Dutch athletes were present, reflecting a commitment to honoring their achievements. Bunschoten-Vos’s silver medal and Kampschreur’s impressive two gold medals underscored the nation’s strong performance throughout the games, and the absence of officials was a pragmatic solution to navigate the geopolitical landscape.

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