Andrea Chiarotti named Italy’s Sochi 2014 flag bearer

The star forward, formerly an able-bodied hockey player, is one of the pioneers of Italy’s ice sledge hockey team, which made its Paralympic debut when it hosted the Torino 2006 Games.

Andrea Chiarotti, the captain of Italy’s ice sledge hockey team, has been named his country’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

The star forward, formerly an able-bodied hockey player, is one of the pioneers of Italy’s ice sledge hockey team, which made its Paralympic debut when it hosted the Torino 2006 Games.

Italy are the reigning European champions in the sport and most recently won silver at the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey Qualification Tournament on their home ice in Torino.

Italy’s team finished seventh at the Vancouver 2010 Games, and Chiarotti is determined to better that finish in Sochi.

The Sochi 2014 Games will take place from 7-16 March, with athletes competing for 72 sets of medals across five sports.