Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee speak on the recent attack on Ukraine. TASS

IPC President Andrew Parsons addressed Russia's ongoing attack

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Mar 4, 2022 10:17 AM ET

The opening ceremonies for the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics took place on Friday. During the event, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons addressed Russia's ongoing attack of Ukraine.

"The 21st century is a time for dialogue and diplomacy, not war and hate."

Andrew Parsons, President of International Paralympic Committee, called for peace at the #WinterParalympics Opening Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/QVfe4d1zwa
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) March 4, 2022

The IPC made headlines on Thursday when, after initially announcing that individuals from Belarus and Russia would compete as "neutral athletes" at the games, switched course and elected to ban participants from the two countries from the event.

Paralympic athletes from Ukraine made their presence known during the opening ceremonies.

Prior to the Opening Ceremony, the Paralympic Athletes of Ukraine held up a sign with the words "Stop War. Peace for Ukraine."

At least three athletes held a fist in the air during the Parade of Nations. #WinterParalympics pic.twitter.com/51LAWUv9mS
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) March 4, 2022

The 2022 Winter Paralympics will run through March 13.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

More must-reads: