Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games: Final Preparations Underway
London, 22 February 2026 – As the Winter Olympic Games conclude today in Italy, global attention shifts to the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Scheduled to begin in less than two weeks, the 14th edition of the Winter Paralympics will see approximately 665 athletes descend upon the Lombardy and Veneto regions to compete across 79 medal events. While organisers celebrate record-breaking ticket sales and infrastructure readiness, the lead-up to the opening ceremony has been marked by significant diplomatic tension regarding athlete eligibility.
Diplomatic Crisis Clouds Build-up
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has sparked intense debate following its decision to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing a select group to compete under their national flags. This move has met with “absolute opposition” from the Italian host government. In response, Ukrainian officials have confirmed a formal boycott of the Opening Ceremony and all official Paralympic functions, though Ukrainian athletes are still expected to participate in their respective sporting disciplines.
Venues and Disciplines
The 2026 Games will utilise a multi-venue model designed to maximise existing infrastructure across northern Italy. Events are split between ice-based disciplines in Milan and snow-based competitions in the Dolomites. The historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will host the Opening Ceremony, marking the first time the ancient amphitheatre has been used for such a purpose in Paralympic history.
Key Facts: Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics
The following table outlines the essential logistics and figures for the upcoming Winter Games based on official data.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony | 6 March 2026 |
| Closing Ceremony | 15 March 2026 |
| Host Cities | Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy |
| Total Athletes | Approximately 665 |
| Medal Events | 79 |
| Major Venues | Arena di Verona, Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sports are included in the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
The Games will feature six primary sports: Para Alpine Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Nordic Skiing (Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing), Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling.
Where will the Closing Ceremony be held?
The Closing Ceremony is scheduled to take place on 15 March 2026 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium.
How many athletes from Russia and Belarus are expected to compete?
Current reports indicate that 10 athletes—six from Russia and four from Belarus—have been cleared to compete under their national flags following the IPC’s recent policy change.
When does the actual competition begin?
While the Opening Ceremony is on 6 March, certain events such as the Wheelchair Curling round-robin play are scheduled to commence as early as 4 March 2026.