Overview of the 2026 Winter Paralympics
The 2026 Winter Paralympics will be held from March 6 to March 15, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The event will feature more than 650 athletes competing for 79 gold medals across six sports.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on March 6, while the closing ceremony will take place on March 15 inside the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. This edition marks the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics, which were held in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, in 1976.
The sports included in the 2026 Winter Paralympics are para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para snowboarding, para ice hockey, and wheelchair curling. Notably, wheelchair curling mixed doubles will be featured for the first time.
Austria holds the record for the most medals in the history of the Winter Paralympics with 345, while Norway has secured the most gold medals, totaling 140. Ragnhild Myklebust is recognized for her exceptional achievement, holding the record for the most Winter Paralympic medals with 27.
Quotes from Athletes and Officials
Giacomo Bertagnolli expressed excitement about the upcoming games, 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 emphasized the significance of the event, saying, “We are a sport organisation, these games are about sport. But not only sport. These games are about inclusion too.”
The motto for the Paralympics, “Spirit in Motion,” reflects the event’s commitment to showcasing the abilities of athletes with disabilities. The symbol of the Paralympics, three waves called ‘Agitos,’ translates to ‘I move’ in Latin, reinforcing the spirit of movement and competition.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 Winter Paralympics approach, anticipation builds among athletes and fans alike. The event is expected to further elevate the visibility of adaptive sports and promote inclusion on a global scale. Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific participation numbers, but it is anticipated that 50 National Paralympic Committees will be represented.
