SOCHI, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has opened the Winter Paralympics in Sochi against the backdrop of his countrys military action in Crimea. Nikola Mirotic Jersey . During the athletes parade, the 23-strong Ukrainian team was represented by a lone flagbearer in an apparent protest at the presence of Russian troops in Ukraines Crimean peninsula. The appearance of the flagbearer, biathlete Mykhaylo Tkachenko, drew a roar from the crowd. The Ukrainian team only announced earlier in the day that it would not boycott the games, but said it could pull out if the Crimea situation escalates. A lavish ceremony based on the mythical firebird of Russian folklore marked the start of the 11th Winter Paralympics, a 10-day event featuring 547 athletes from 45 countries. Putin stood at a microphone in front of a capacity crowd at the Fisht Olympic Stadium and announced: "I declare open the Winter Paralympic Games 2014, Sochi." Jrue Holiday Pelicans Jersey .com) - The collective hearts of Chicago Bulls fans sank on Friday night when Derrick Rose went down with a leg injury against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rajon Rondo Jersey . The native of Mont-Tremblant, Que., captured a World Cup downhill event Saturday, his second this year and fifth career victory on the circuit. http://www.pelicansbasketballpro.com/Anthony-Davis-Pelicans-Jersey/ . Calgary finished atop the CFL standings with a 14-4 record and earned the right to host the West Division final at McMahon Stadium on Nov. KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- The Vancouver Whitecaps relied on a familiar face to keep their unbeaten streak alive. Camilo Da Silva Sanvezzo scored a gorgeous free-kick goal just before halftime as Vancouver earned a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday in Major League Soccer action. "That took the pressure off us a little bit," said forward Kenny Cooper. "Coming in (at halftime) 1-0 down, its always going to be hard to get back in the game." Vancouver (7-5-5) head coach Martin Rennie knew he could count on Sanvezzo. "I think thats his 13th goal in the last 14 games in all competitions, which is an incredible record," Rennie said. "I think hes got 10 in MLS and he works a lot on his free kicks. That was a fantastic effort. That was a great goal and I dont think too many people would have saved that." Sanvezzo is tied for the second in MLS with those 10 goals. The Whitecaps have not lost in four contests -- winning three straight and then adding Wednesdays tie. "The teams really grown in its belief," Rennie said when asked about the Whitecaps recent 5-1-2 surge. "But I think also earlier in the season, we were often playing well but not getting the results that we probably deserved. "Now, the team and players realize they are a really good team and have a chance against anybody." It didnt look like the Whitecaps were going to earn another positive result, as they struggled to possess the ball throughout the first half. Vancouver controlled the ball less than 40 per cent at the start of the match and rarely peenetrated more than a few yards into the attacking half, making all-star defender Aurelien Collins goal at the 35th minute inevitable. Pelicans Jerseys. Fellow defender Chance Myers nodded a cross from Oriol Rosell into the middle of Vancouvers box, where Collins first attempt -- a wheeling, left-footed shot -- was blocked by Whitecaps defender Johnny Leveron. Unfortunately for Leveron, the deflection fell right back into Collins wheelhouse for a right-footed drive and his third goal of the season. Vancouver, which attempted two shots in the opening 25 minutes -- and neither was on goal or presented any real challenge to Sporting KCs defence -- continued to absorb pressure until the final five minutes. Eventually, the Whitecaps earned a free kick from 25 yards in front of goal during the 44th minute and with literally seconds remaining before halftime, Sanvezzo drew Vancouver even with a perfectly struck rocket into the upper right corner. Vancouver dodged a bullet in the 76th minute when its defence failed to pressure Sporting KC all-star midfielder Graham Zusi after he collected a ball at the top left edge of the penalty box. Given adequate time and space, Zusi, an MLS MVP finalist last season and a rising star for the U.S. mens national team, rolled a low, hard shot toward the left post. Knighton was beaten, but Zusis shot bent just enough that it pinged back into play off the post and was cleared from danger as the Whitecaps remained level at 1-1. "Did we do enough to win the game? Probably not," Cooper said. "A draws probably a fair result." Wholesale NFL Autographed Jerseys Wholesale NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap Jerseys Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2019 Wholesale Jerseys ' ' '