2026 Winter Paralympics Overview
The 2026 Winter Paralympics will be held from March 6 to March 15, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The opening ceremony is set for 2 p.m. ET on March 6, while the closing ceremony will take place on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
More than 650 athletes from around the world are expected to compete for 79 gold medals across six sports: para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para snowboarding, para ice hockey, and wheelchair curling.
This edition marks the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics, which were held in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, in 1976. The event has grown significantly since its inception, showcasing the talents and determination of athletes with disabilities.
The mascot of the 2026 Winter Paralympics is Milo, a brown stoat named after Milan, while his sister Tina represents Cortina d’Ampezzo. The motto for the games is ‘Spirit in Motion.’
Notable Athletes and Records
Austria holds the record for the most medals in Winter Paralympics history, with a total of 345 medals, while Norway has secured the most gold medals, totaling 140. Ragnhild Myklebust is a standout athlete, holding the record for the most Winter Paralympic medals with 27.
For the first time, the games will feature mixed doubles in wheelchair curling, adding a new dynamic to the competition. Giacomo Bertagnolli expressed excitement about the event, stating, “It will be a big stage for me and for the whole Paralympic world because we are finally in Italy and in Europe.”
Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, emphasized the importance of inclusion, saying, “We are a sport organisation, these games are about sport. But not only sport. These games are about inclusion too.”
As the event approaches, observers are keen to see how the games will further promote visibility and belief in the abilities of athletes with disabilities, as one quote highlights: “Visibility creates belief—and belief can change a life.” Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific event schedules and additional participating nations.
