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SOCHI, Russia -- Ukraine will compete in the Winter Paralympics in Sochi despite Russias military moves in Crimea. The Ukrainian Paralympic Committee decided against boycotting the games, announcing a few hours before Fridays opening ceremony that its athletes would stay. The decision came after discussions between Ukrainian officials and athletes over whether to pull out in light of the crisis back home and Russias military takeover of the Crimean peninsula. "We are staying at the Paralympics," Valeriy Sushkevich, president of the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine, said at a news conference. However, he added that the circumstances were far from ideal. "I dont remember a situation when the organizing country during a Paralympics started an intervention on the territory of a country taking part," Sushkevich said, according to the R-Sport agency. "I dont know what to extent the team can focus on the result now." The Ukrainian official said the team would leave Sochi if there is any escalation of military conflict. "I declare should this happen we will leave the games," Sushkevich said. "We cannot possibly stay here in this case." He said he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night to discuss the situation and request peace during the games. Suskevich said he did not receive any guarantees but it was important that Putin agreed to listen. Putin and IOC President Thomas Bach are expected to attend Fridays opening ceremony. Several countries have decided not to send political leaders or dignitaries to the ceremony in protest of Russias actions in Ukraine. Ukraines decision to compete in Sochi was welcomed by the International Paralympic Committee. "We want sport to prevail and a full complement of teams to compete in what we are confident will be a fantastic Paralympic Winter Games," IPC President Phillip Craven said. "All week the IPC has been working closely with the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee in an effort to keep them here in Sochi. The talking point of Sochi 2014 needs to be great sport and great athletes, not global politics." The IPC has appealed for Russia to recognize the U.N.s Olympic Truce, which asks warring parties to cease hostilities during the Olympics and Paralympics. About 575 athletes from 45 countries are due to compete in the 10-day Paralympics. Five sports are on the program -- alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, sledge hockey and wheelchair curling. Ukraine has entered 23 athletes for the Sochi Paralympics. It finished fifth in the medals table at the Winter Paralympics in Vancouver in 2010, with a total of 19 medals and five gold. Ukrainian athletes chanted "peace to Ukraine" as they apparently walked out of a flag-raising ceremony in Sochi on Thursday night. That is now under investigation by the IPC as a possible breach of rules banning political protests. "What were trying to do is gather the evidence, gather the transcripts and then we will see if any steps are necessary," IPC spokesman Craig Spence said. "If there was a political protest, obviously wed be disappointed by that because we have said all week that this is about sport, not politics." Salomon Baratas Chinas Online . On Thursday theyll learn even more. Despite the cloud of uncertainty that has followed them around from the moment general manager Masai Ujiri was brought in to put his stamp on the franchise, the Raptors have surpassed all pre-season expectations. Zapatillas Salomon España . The team announced the defensive coordinator will not be offered a contract extension. http://www.baratassalomon.es/ . In an interview with La Presse this week, the five-time Stanley Cup champion and three-time NHL scoring leader specifically took aim at wingers Thomas Vanek and Max Pacioretty, saying they cant show up in a 7-4 win over the New York Rangers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final and come up empty in Game 6. Salomon Baratas España . A larger-than-life personality known for his intimidating style in the 18-yard box, Schmeichels career spanned some 20 years -- including a memorable tenure at Manchester United. Zapatillas Salomon Baratas España . Wiggins, a 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward who plays his first exhibition game on Wednesday against Pitt State, was the top prospect in the class of 2013.CLEVELAND -- Josh Gordons troubles are piling up fast. Clevelands Pro Bowl wide receiver, facing a possible NFL suspension for another failed drug test, was ticketed for speeding last weekend and a passenger in his car was cited for marijuana possession. Gordon was pulled over for driving 74 mph in a 60 mph zone on May 25, WKYC-TV reported Friday. According to the report, the passenger in Gordons Mercedes was issued a citation for possession of marijuana in an amount under 200 grams. The marijuana was found in a blue bag with identification. The passenger said the marijuana was not Gordons. Browns general manager Ray Farmer issued a statement regarding Gordons latest issue. "We are gathering information regarding the situation," Farmer said. "We will not have any further comment until the appropriate time." Gordons pending case is posted online on the Berea Municipal Court docket. It says Gordon showed proof of insurance when he was stoppped and that he did not have any warrants.dddddddddddd He is due to appear in court on June 4. The traffic stop comes as the Browns are awaiting news whether Gordon will be available to play this season. The talented 23-year-old was suspended two games last season for failing a drug test and still led the league with 1,664 yards receiving. Earlier this month, ESPN reported that Gordon, who entered the league with a history of substance-abuse problems, failed another drug test, which could result in a one-year ban. Gordon has been practicing with the Browns as he awaits word from the league. Gordon has declined to comment at the workouts that have been open to the media the past two weeks. Last year, Gordon was convicted of two traffic offences after pleading no contest in court. He was ticketed twice for speeding, once for driving 98 mph. He paid $296 in fines and court costs. Former Browns coach Rob Chudzinski spoke to Gordon about his actions. ' ' '