Competition in Italy continues as the 2026 Winter Paralympics open next month, featuring 650-plus athletes and 79 gold medals across six sports.
MILAN, Metropolitan City of Milan — The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics may be ending this weekend, but competition in Italy isn’t over.
Just five days after the Olympic cauldron is extinguished in Sunday’s Closing Ceremony, the Paralympic flame will be lit for another 10 days of competition, marking the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics.
More than 650 athletes will compete for 79 gold medals across six sports at the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
When are the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics officially open Mar. 6 and conclude with the Closing Ceremony on Mar. 15.
Wheelchair curling round-robin play begins Mar. 4, two days before the Opening Ceremony.
Where will the Paralympic Games take place?
Like the Winter Olympics, events will be held in Milan, Cortina and other Alpine venues in northern Italy.
The Paralympic Opening Ceremony will be held in Verona at the Verona Olympic Arena, a Roman amphitheater built in 30 AD that can host more than 12,000 spectators.
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Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
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Cortina Para Snowboard Park
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Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
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Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium
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Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre
What sports are included?
Six sports make up the 2026 Winter Paralympic program: