Jetten praises Dutch Paralympians for winning five medals, including two golds
The Netherlands’ Paralympic delegation secured five medals at the Winter Games, including two golds, three silvers, and one bronze, with all wins coming in skiing and snowboarding events. Prime Minister Rob Jetten visited the athletes Saturday to personally commend their performances.
“What a team spirit; together they really are TeamNL,” Jetten said, highlighting the achievements of sit-skier Jeroen Kampschreur, who claimed both of the country’s gold medals. Jetten added that the athletes serve as “an inspiring example for so many." The team also claimed three silvers in skiing and snowboarding events and one bronze. The Paralympic Games conclude Sunday.
The Dutch government had previously expressed strong opposition to the planned participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the upcoming Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Sport Minister Mirjam Sterk criticized the decision to allow competitors from those nations to appear under their national flags.
“The ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the involvement of Belarus make it unacceptable and painful that these countries are allowed to participate in international sporting events and that Russian or Belarusian flags, anthems, or other national symbols are shown,” Sterk wrote in a letter to the Tweede Kamer.
Despite the protest, the Dutch government confirmed it will send a delegation to the Games under strict conditions. Dutch officials will refrain from attending any official events that display Russian or Belarusian symbols. The cabinet noted that Dutch athletes will compete only in individual events, eliminating the possibility of direct team competition with Russian or Belarusian athletes.
“The elite athletes deserve our support and recognition for their achievements,” Sterk wrote, affirming the government’s backing of the Dutch Paralympians.
