6 Mar 2014 19:59

Ukrainian Paralympians chant "Peace to Ukraine!" at flag-raising ceremony

SOCHI. March 6 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Paralympic team has solemnly raised the national flag in the central square of the Paralympic village in Sochi on Thursday, an Interfax correspondent said.

The ceremony was attended by around 50 people, including 31 Paralympic athletes.

"This year the ceremony was unusual because our hearts were with Ukraine," Ukrainian team spokeswoman Natalya Harach told Interfax after the ceremony.

"When the Ukrainian anthem was played, when we were singing it, when we raised the flag, all the athletes chanted "Peace to Ukraine!" she said.

"We are grateful to the hosting party that everything was tolerant and everyone listened to us," Harach said.