Belarus national team has carried the flag of the Russian Federation at the opening of the Paralympic Games

Belarusian Paralympians carried the Russian flag at the opening ceremony of the Games in Rio de Janeiro in solidarity with the Russian athletes suspended from competition. This was stated by the head of the Paralympic Committee of Belarus Oleg Shepel.

The gesture made members of the Belarusian delegation in solidarity with the Russian Paralympians who have been excluded from participation in the competition in Rio without a confirmed anti-doping rule violations and personal disqualification - said Shepel.

Belarus national team of athletes have come out with the Russian flag during the parade of nations at the stadium "Maracana". Such plans were declared before the start of the Games. However, the  Olympic Committee has prohibited  the Belorussian  team to take the Russian flag to the formal ceremony.