The 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy: key facts, figures, and a history of achievements
From March 6 to March 15, Italy will once again become the center of world sport as it hosts the XIV Winter Paralympic Games. The competitions will take place in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Val di Fiemme. The opening ceremony will be held at the famous ancient arena in Verona, while the Paralympic flame was traditionally lit in the British village of Stoke Mandeville — the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.
Sports program and participants
About 650 athletes from 50 countries will take part in the Games. They will compete for 79 sets of medals in six main sports: alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, cross-country skiing, biathlon, and wheelchair curling. Notably, mixed doubles curling will make its debut in this year’s program.
The Paralympic movement has experienced tremendous growth. At the first Winter Paralympic Games in Sweden in 1976, fewer than 200 athletes competed — today their number has more than tripled.
Development and support
Modern Paralympic sport is not only about competition but also a symbol of equal opportunities. In recent years, financial support for athletes has increased significantly. In several European countries, for example, Paralympic medalists now receive the same prize payments as Olympic athletes. This highlights the high professional status of the competitions and the recognition of athletes’ achievements at the state level.
Mission of the Games
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, notes that the main goal of the event is to change global perceptions of people with disabilities. For spectators, these ten days will be a lesson in incredible resilience and courage. The athletes’ skill proves that human determination can overcome any physical barrier, turning every performance into a thrilling and inspiring spectacle.
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