Published：Feb 26, 03:01Last updated：Mar 8, 13:14

Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Feb. 26, 2026 03:01

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics torch was collected in Mendip, UK, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement. After 11 days of relay, the main torch will be lit on March 6 at Verona Arena. The relay celebrates the development of the Paralympic movement since 1960 and marks the return of the Paralympic flame to Italy after 20 years. The Games will run from March 6 to 15, featuring over 600 athletes from about 50 countries competing in 6 categories and 79 events.

Summarized

10News

7Media

Mar. 6, 2026 21:46

The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games began with a ceremony at the Verona Olympic Arena, where two cauldrons were lit in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Italian President Sergio Mattarella officially declared the Games open, with only 29 of 55 nations present. The International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons expressed regret over global issues but emphasized sport's power to inspire change. Over 650 athletes from around the world, including 50 from Canada, will compete in 79 events.

Mar. 8, 2026 13:14

The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Games. Athletes are competing in 79 events across six sports, with record female participation making it the biggest Winter Paralympics ever. The event underscores the celebration of Paralympic sports and achievements, published on March 8, 2026.

The 2026 Winter Paralympics, hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, mark a historic milestone as the Games celebrate their 50th anniversary. The event, running from March 6 to 15, 2026, brings together over 650 athletes from 56 countries to compete in 79 medal events across six sports. The opening ceremony, held at the iconic Verona Arena, featured Italian President Sergio Mattarella and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons, who highlighted the transformative power of sport and the importance of inclusion. This edition is notable for record female participation and the return of the Paralympic flame to Italy after two decades, underscoring the growth and global impact of the Paralympic movement.CCTV+2

🔥 Torch Relay and Opening Ceremony

The Paralympic torch relay began in Stoke Mandeville, UK, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement, before traveling through key Italian cities and culminating in a unification event. The opening ceremony on March 6 saw two cauldrons lit in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, symbolizing unity and the Games’ dual-host format. President Mattarella officially declared the Games open, while IPC President Parsons addressed the challenges posed by global conflicts, emphasizing sport’s role in inspiring hope and change.Asahi Shimbun+2

🏅 Sports, Athletes, and Milestones

Athletes are competing in six sports: para alpine skiing, nordic skiing, snowboarding, wheelchair curling, para hockey, and biathlon. The Games feature new events like mixed doubles in wheelchair curling and welcome first-time participating nations. Notable athletes, such as Australia’s Michael Milton, are making comebacks, while Canada fields a strong team of 50 athletes. The event is the largest Winter Paralympics to date, with unprecedented female participation and a compact, focused program.CBC News+2

🌍 Legacy and Global Impact

The 2026 Games commemorate the evolution of the Paralympic movement since its inception in 1960, celebrating achievements in accessibility, inclusion, and athletic excellence. The return to Italy after 20 years highlights the country’s ongoing commitment to Paralympic sport. Despite challenges, including geopolitical tensions affecting athlete travel, the Games continue to inspire and promote opportunities for people with disabilities worldwide.CCTV+2

📊 Medal Table and Competition Highlights

The medal table ranks nations by gold, silver, and bronze medals, with results updated in real time on the official event page. With 79 events, the competition showcases the world’s best para athletes and highlights the progress of winter sports for people with disabilities. The Games’ compact format distinguishes them from the Olympics, focusing on excellence and the spirit of the Paralympic community.The Guardian+2

Verona ArenaAndrew ParsonsCortina d'AmpezzoSergio MattarellaInternational Paralympic Committee