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                         Paralympic Games Open in Sochi

   The Paralympic Games have opened in Sochi, Russia, despite the
   Russia-Ukraine tension centered on the Crimean peninsula.
   The 23-member Ukrainian team announced earlier Friday that it will not
   boycott the Games, but could reverse its decision if the power struggle
   over Crimea escalates further.
   Some nations canceled plans to send delegations to the 10-day event in
   protest of Russia`s involvement in the conflict.
   The president of Ukraine`s National Paralympic Committee, Valeriy
   Sushkevich, told reporters at a news conference Friday that he met with
   Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and asked him for peace
   during the Games. Sushkevich said Mr. Putin made no promises but that
   it was important the president listened.
   The Paralympic Games for disabled athletes are being held in the same
   locations as the 2014 Winter Olympics, which took place last month.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/paralympic-games-open-in-sochi/1866653.html