2026 Winter Paralympics
2026 Winter Paralympics Set to Begin
The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games kick off on March 6, 2026, in Italy, featuring over 600 athletes from 56 countries competing in 79 medal events across six sports.
This edition marks the 14th iteration of the Winter Paralympics and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Winter Paralympics. The Games will include para Alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place in Verona, while the closing ceremony will be held in Cortina D’Ampezzo on March 15, 2026. The U.S. is sending a contingent of 68 athletes, the second-largest after China, and the U.S. sled hockey team aims for a record fifth consecutive gold medal.
For the first time, mixed doubles events in wheelchair curling will be featured, showcasing the evolving nature of the Paralympic sports landscape. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has permitted 10 athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags, while Iran will not be represented due to safety concerns for its sole athlete.
Andrew Parsons, President of the IPC, emphasized that the Games would deliver “world-class sport [that is] highly competitive,” highlighting the significance of this event for athletes and fans alike. Brenna Huckaby remarked on the visibility of the Games, stating, “Visibility is huge.”
Historically, the Paralympics originated in a British hospital for World War II veterans with spinal injuries, which organized a wheelchair archery competition in 1948. Since then, the Games have been held every four years, growing in scope and participation.
As the event approaches, details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of medals expected for Great Britain, as they focus on personal bests rather than specific medal targets. Additionally, the impact of geopolitical tensions on athlete participation and safety remains uncertain, with the IPC still working to confirm the list of participating nations.
The Games will be broadcast by NBC and streamed on Peacock, allowing a wider audience to engage with the athletes and their stories. Giacomo Bertagnolli expressed excitement about the event, stating, “It will be a big stage for me and for the whole Paralympic world because we are finally in Italy and in Europe.”
