The excitement is building as Milan hosts a special celebration to mark the one-year countdown to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games. IPC President Andrew Parsons shared his enthusiasm, stating that the upcoming Games are set to be "the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet," promising to captivate spectators and viewers around the globe.
Scheduled from March 6 to 15, 2026, the Milano-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games will welcome approximately 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions. Competitors will vie for 79 gold medals across six sports, showcasing their skills and determination in events like Para ice hockey, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para alpine skiing, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.
The historic Arena di Verona will host the opening ceremony, while the closing ceremony will take place at the Ice Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. Venues are strategically spread across northern Italy, ensuring stunning backdrops for each competition.
In a move to promote accessibility, ticket sales commenced with a 24-hour pre-sale exclusively for Visa cardholders, followed by public sales. The organizing committee announced that over 89 percent of tickets will be priced at 35 euros or less, with children's tickets starting at just 10 euros. More than 200,000 affordable tickets are available, making the Games accessible to a wider audience.
"Milano-Cortina 2026 will be more than just a sports competition, and it will serve as a catalyst for social change and inclusivity," Parsons emphasized. He highlighted the resilience and determination of the athletes, from the tactical precision of wheelchair curling to the speed and endurance required in Para cross-country skiing.
The Paralympic torch relay, spanning 11 days and covering 2,000 kilometers with 501 torchbearers, symbolizes the unity and inclusivity that the Games aim to promote worldwide. Organizers are committed to using the relay as a platform to inspire and bring people together across different cultures and communities.
Reference(s):
One-year countdown celebration held for 2026 Winter Paralympic Games
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