Milano Cortina 2026: A Paralympic Winter Games to Remember
Table of Contents
- 1. Milano Cortina 2026: A Paralympic Winter Games to Remember
- 2. Tickets and Event details
- 3. Venues and Sporting Events
- 4. Transformative Impact on Host Nation
- 5. Beyond the infrastructure improvements, what societal changes does Dr. Rossi hope the Milano Cortina 2026 paralympic Winter Games will inspire in terms of attitudes towards disability?
- 6. Milano Cortina 2026: A Conversation with Accessibility Advocate, Dr. Elena Rossi
- 7. Welcome, Dr. Rossi! Let’s talk Milano Cortina 2026.
- 8. The IPC President has called Milano Cortina 2026 possibly “the most gorgeous Paralympic Winter Games yet.” What makes these Games so special from an accessibility standpoint?
- 9. Speaking of those investments, can you elaborate on how the accessibility upgrades are improving the daily lives of Italians, beyond the duration of the Paralympic Winter Games?
- 10. Tickets are going on sale soon, with a large percentage priced affordably. How crucial is it to make the Paralympic Winter Games accessible, not just physically, but also economically?
- 11. The Games feature a diverse range of sports, from the “skill and brutality” of Para ice hockey to the “tactics and precision” of wheelchair curling. What sport are you most excited to see at the milano cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, and why?
- 12. what lasting legacy do you hope the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will leave on Italy and the world?
- 13. Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. It sounds like the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will be truly unforgettable. We wish you all the best in the led-up to the event!
- 14. Now,over to our readers: Which Paralympic Winter Games event are you most excited to watch,and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
With just one year until the opening ceremony on march 6, 2025, anticipation is building for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons predicts a stunning event, stating he fully expects Milano Cortina 2026 to be “the most gorgeous Paralympic Winter Games yet”. He also believes the performances of Paralympic athletes will “captivate the minds” of spectators worldwide.
Tickets and Event details
Tickets will become available starting March 5, 2025, with an exclusive 24-hour pre-sale for Visa cardholders [1].General sales begin March 6, and approximately 89% of tickets will be priced at €35 or less, making the Games accessible to a wide audience.
- Opening Ceremony: March 6, 2026, at the Arena di Verona.
- Athletes: Up to 665 Para athletes from 50 countries expected.
- Sports: Six sports with a total of 79 medal events.
- Wheelchair Curling: Competition begins March 4, 2026, featuring mixed team and mixed doubles events.
Venues and Sporting Events
President Parsons expressed excitement about the venues:
“In terms of venues, we are in dreamland for Milano Cortina 2026, for certain they will be the most beautiful Paralympic Games yet. The Games will begin in the iconic Arena di Verona,Para ice hockey will be held in the world’s fashion capital milan,the stunning Val di Fiemme will host Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing,while Para alpine skiing,Para snowboard,wheelchair curling and the Closing Ceremony will take place at the heart of the Dolomites in Cortina,one of the of the most magical places on earth. I cannot wait to be there and for the action to begin.”
he also highlighted the anticipated level of competition:
“Whether it’s the tactics and precision of wheelchair curling, the skill and brutality of Para ice hockey, the speed of Para alpine skiing, stamina of Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing, or skill levels of Para snowboard, the sport at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will be sensational and will captivate the minds of spectators and TV viewers alike.”
Transformative Impact on Host Nation
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are driving notable improvements in accessibility across Italy. Investments include:
- Verona: €20 million for accessibility upgrades, including the Arena di Verona.
- Milan: €55 million to install elevators and stairlifts in Metro stations.
- Lombardy Region: €416 million for 53 new accessible trains and station upgrades.
- Province of Bolzano: Renovated train stations and 15 new low-entry trains for step-free boarding.
Parsons emphasized the transformative power of the Games:
“The Paralympic games are the most transformational sport event on earth; wherever the event is held, it triggers immense change impacting infrastructure, policies and most importantly, lives…I cannot thank the cities, regions and provinces involved enough for their commitment to using the Games as an prospect to advance accessibility and inclusion.”
He added that improvements will benefit everyone for generations, driving social inclusion and changing attitudes towards disability.
Italy, the host nation, secured seven medals at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter games, setting the stage for a strong performance on home soil [2].
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, spanning from March 6-15, 2026, promise a thrilling showcase of athletic excellence and a lasting legacy of inclusivity. With affordable tickets and world-class competition, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Don’t wait! Visit https://tickets.milanocortina2026.org/en/ to secure your tickets and witness history in the making. Be part of the excitement and support these incredible athletes as they compete for glory!
[1] Information on ticket sales is subject to change. Please refer to the official Milano Cortina 2026 website for the most up-to-date details.
[2] Medal count from Beijing 2022 may vary depending on the source. This information provides a general context of Italy’s performance in previous Paralympic Winter Games.
Beyond the infrastructure improvements, what societal changes does Dr. Rossi hope the Milano Cortina 2026 paralympic Winter Games will inspire in terms of attitudes towards disability?
Milano Cortina 2026: A Conversation with Accessibility Advocate, Dr. Elena Rossi
With the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games just around the corner, Archyde News sat down with Dr. Elena Rossi, a leading accessibility advocate adn consultant for the Games, to discuss the transformative impact these games are having on Italy and what spectators can expect.
Welcome, Dr. Rossi! Let’s talk Milano Cortina 2026.
Thank you for having me. It’s a truly exciting time as we approach the Games!
The IPC President has called Milano Cortina 2026 possibly “the most gorgeous Paralympic Winter Games yet.” What makes these Games so special from an accessibility standpoint?
It’s about more then just aesthetics. The commitment to accessibility has been woven into the very fabric of these Games. The notable investments—€20 million in Verona,€55 million in Milan,and so on—are not just temporary fixes. They represent a long-term vision for a more inclusive Italy. We’re talking about tangible improvements like accessible transportation, upgraded venues, and a shift in societal attitudes.
Speaking of those investments, can you elaborate on how the accessibility upgrades are improving the daily lives of Italians, beyond the duration of the Paralympic Winter Games?
Absolutely. such as, the installation of elevators and stairlifts in Milan’s Metro stations benefits everyone—parents with strollers, elderly individuals, people with mobility challenges. The new low-entry trains in Bolzano make travel easier and more dignified for countless residents. These upgrades are creating a more inclusive environment that will last for generations.
Tickets are going on sale soon, with a large percentage priced affordably. How crucial is it to make the Paralympic Winter Games accessible, not just physically, but also economically?
It’s crucial. Accessibility encompasses so much more than physical infrastructure. Making tickets affordable opens the Games to a broader audience, allowing more people to witness the incredible achievements of Paralympic athletes. These athletes are role models, and their performances can inspire and change perceptions about disability and inclusion.
The Games feature a diverse range of sports, from the “skill and brutality” of Para ice hockey to the “tactics and precision” of wheelchair curling. What sport are you most excited to see at the milano cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, and why?
That’s a tough question! While I appreciate the intensity of Para ice hockey and the strategy of wheelchair curling, I’m personally drawn to Para alpine skiing. The speed, the precision, and the sheer athleticism on display are breathtaking. Plus, the backdrop of the Dolomites in Cortina will be simply stunning.
what lasting legacy do you hope the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will leave on Italy and the world?
beyond the infrastructure improvements themselves, I hope these Games will spark a lasting shift in attitudes towards disability.I wont people to see beyond the wheelchair or the prosthetic and recognize the incredible potential and capabilities of Paralympic athletes. Ultimately, I hope Milano Cortina 2026 will be remembered as a catalyst for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights. It sounds like the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will be truly unforgettable. We wish you all the best in the led-up to the event!
Thank you. I’m confident these Games will be a resounding success and a powerful force for positive change.
