2026 Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games: Schedule, Athletes to Watch, and Controversy
The spirit of competition doesn’t end with the Olympic Winter Games. Just two weeks after the close of the Milan-Cortina Olympics, the flame will be rekindled in Italy for the 14th edition of the Paralympic Winter Games, running from March 6th to March 15th, 2026. The Games promise thrilling competition and inspiring performances, though they are also unfolding against a backdrop of international political tension.
A Ceremony Marked by Protest
The opening ceremony, scheduled for March 6th in the historic Arena di Verona – also the site of the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony – is already proving to be a focal point of controversy. France has announced it will not send a government representative to the ceremony in protest of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari stated the decision, reached on March 4th, is a “disagreement” with the IPC’s position, though it aims to remain respectful of the sporting institutions involved. This decision extends, at least for now, to the closing ceremony on March 15th in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The IPC’s decision allows ten athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate under their own flags and to the sound of their national anthems – the first time this has been permitted since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The move has sparked widespread condemnation, with several nations, including Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Finland, Poland, Estonia, and Latvia, announcing boycotts of the opening ceremony.
France’s Paralympic Team: Aiming for Success
Despite the political complexities, the French team, comprised of 17 athletes, is determined to build on its success at the 2022 Beijing Games, where they secured 12 medals, including seven golds. Leading the charge will be Cécile Hernandez, the parasnowboarder and flagbearer, and Arthur Bauchet, a dominant force in para alpine skiing.
Bauchet, 25, is a decorated athlete with eight consecutive overall World Cup titles and 12 world championship titles to his name. At the 2022 Beijing Paralympics, he claimed three gold medals in his LW3 (standing) category out of a possible five. He’s expected to contend for a quintuple medal haul in Milan-Cortina, competing across all disciplines.
Disciplines and Venues
Nearly 600 athletes from numerous nations will compete for medals across 79 events in six distinct disciplines: para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.
The Games will be spread across three Italian cities: Milan will host the para ice hockey competitions, Cortina d’Ampezzo will be the venue for para alpine skiing and wheelchair curling, and Val di Fiemme will stage the para cross-country skiing and para biathlon events. The closing ceremony will take place on March 15th at the renovated curling stadium in Cortina, a site steeped in Olympic history, having hosted events during the 1956 Winter Games.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games promise to be a showcase of athletic achievement and resilience. While the shadow of geopolitical tensions looms large, the focus will ultimately be on the incredible athletes and their pursuit of excellence. The competition is set to begin on March 6th, and fans can expect compelling stories and unforgettable moments throughout the eleven days of competition.
Keep an eye on Archysport for ongoing coverage of the Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games, including athlete profiles, event schedules, and medal updates.
