Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics Open in Verona with ‘Life in Motion’ Ceremony Amid Global Tensions

A vibrant display titled “Life in Motion” marked the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics at the historic Arena di Verona, as Russia and Belarus returned to the Paralympic movement with their national flags while several countries, led by Ukraine, boycotted the athletes’ parade.

Much like the Olympic closing ceremony held 12 days earlier, the Verona Arena became the focal point of the celebrations launching the Winter Paralympics, as the movement marks 50 years since the first Winter Paralympic Games were staged.

Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions worldwide, including the latest U.S. and Israel hostilities against Iran, Paralympians gathered across three host clusters in Italy to compete in events on snow and ice. The Games return to Italy for the third time as the Winter Paralympics celebrate their 50th anniversary.

The competitions will take place across Milano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Val di Fiemme, where more than 600 athletes will compete in 79 medal events across six sports.

“Today, Italy once again stands at the heart of Paralympic history as we celebrate 50 years of the Paralympic Winter Games,” said Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

“From 1976 to 2026, these Paralympic Winter Games will honor Fiemme as our past, celebrate our present, and honor and shape a more inclusive future. And we need that future now more than ever. Four years ago, I said I was horrified at what was happening in the world. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved,” he added.

In a lighthearted remark reflecting the current global climate, Parsons noted that in a world where countries are often identified by their political leaders, he prefers to recognize them through their athletes.

“In a world where some countries are better known by the names of their leaders, I prefer to know countries by the names of their athletes. Sport offers the world another way forward, another perspective,” he said.

Italy’s six-time Paralympic fencing medalist Bebe Vio carried the Paralympic flame into the Verona Arena. The flame was later relit in the Milano Cortina cauldrons by 15-time Paralympic medalist Francesca Porcellato in Milano and by 2006 Paralympic Para Alpine skiing champion Gianmaria Dal Maistro in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Parsons also highlighted Italy’s historic connection with the Paralympic movement. He noted that alongside Ludwig Guttmann, regarded as the father of the Paralympic movement, Italian physician Antonio Maglio played a pivotal role in organizing the first Paralympic Games, which were held in Rome alongside the 1960 Olympic Games.

He emphasized that the Paralympics have long served as a platform for advancing inclusion and changing public perceptions of disability.

“All of this reminds us of a fundamental truth about the Paralympic Games: they represent an extraordinary opportunity to transform society—to Milano and make a country truly inclusive, and, above all, to inspire collective reflection on disability and inclusion within the public conscience. Yes, the games are a powerful game changer, and we stand wholeheartedly for that change,” he added.

During the ceremony, the flags of the 55 participating nations were carried into the Verona Arena by Milano Cortina 2026 volunteers, following an agreement reached with national Paralympic committees in August 2025.

Athletes either followed the volunteers into the arena or joined the ceremony virtually from their respective host clusters. Italy’s delegation was led by Para Alpine skiers Chiara Mazzel and Rene De Silvestro, who received a warm reception from the crowd inside the ancient Roman amphitheater.

Continuing his address, Parsons said the Games demonstrate how diversity can serve as a source of strength rather than division.

At the Paralympic Village, he added, athletes experience a model of community that reflects the movement’s ideals.

“The Paralympic Village is a living model of what society can and should be: free from politics, it is a place where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and everyone is valued. A barrier-free community where potential is realized and opportunity is open to all.”

“And, tonight in this ancient arena—where we realized gladiators once stood—we welcome a new generation of heroes. Paralympians are ready to redefine possibility, push the boundaries of human ability, and show what humans can achieve when respected and provided with chances to succeed.”

The ceremony also included the traditional raising of the Paralympic flag and the Paralympic oath, accompanied by the Paralympic anthem, Hymne de l’Avenir (Anthem of the Future).

The evening featured musical performances celebrating Italian culture, including a rendition of the classic “Volare” and a modern interpretation of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet, famously set in Verona. Earlier, the Italian national anthem was performed by rising singer Mimì, who was raised in Lombardy.

Italy is hosting the Winter Paralympics for the second time, following the Torino Games in 2006. The country also hosted the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960.

With the ceremony in Verona, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games have officially begun.