Verona, Italy – The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games officially commenced Friday evening with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Arena di Verona, and Italian singer and Paralympic medalist Annalisa Minetti delivered a particularly memorable moment. Minetti’s powerful vocals during the finale, a choral rendition of Domenico Modugno’s iconic song “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu),” resonated throughout the arena, symbolizing the spirit of freedom, hope, and renewal that defines the Paralympic movement. The ceremony marked the official start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, a celebration of athletic achievement and human resilience.
“To be able to represent my two worlds, the sporting world and the musical world, on the stage of such an important ceremony – which launches not only a great sporting event, but above all an event that supports life as a right of all – is something wonderful and extraordinary for me, it is a recognition that has filled my heart,” Minetti shared, reflecting on the emotional weight of the performance.
The culmination of the opening ceremony featured what organizers termed a “Chain Song,” a collaborative performance designed to amplify the core messages and values of the Games. It was during this segment, with the familiar strains of “Volare” arranged by Vittorio Cosma, that Minetti’s voice took center stage. The choice of the song itself is significant; “Volare” is a cornerstone of Italian culture, representing a sense of limitless possibility and the pursuit of dreams.
VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 6: Singers perform during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games opening ceremony at Arena di Verona on March 6, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Marco Mantovani/Getty Images)Marco Mantovani/Getty Images
Beyond her vocal performance, Minetti’s striking appearance also drew attention. The athlete-turned-singer wore a custom-designed gown by Laura Ciarla of Laura Couture Roma. The dress, crafted from satin, featured an asymmetrical design with dramatic draping and a daringly high slit. Ciarla explained that the design was intended to “enhance Annalisa Minetti’s silhouette,” with geometric sheer panels adding a modern touch. The vibrant color of the gown, according to Ciarla, “embodies tenacity, strength, and victory.”
Minetti’s participation in the opening ceremony is particularly poignant given her dual identity as both a celebrated singer and a decorated Paralympic athlete. This intersection of passions, she emphasized, is what made the moment so meaningful. The ceremony itself aimed to showcase the power of art and sport in overcoming limitations, a theme that resonated throughout the evening’s performances. Performers with and without disabilities shared the stage, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and celebrating the diverse talents within the Paralympic community.
The opening ceremony also featured a performance by percussionist Cornel Hrisca-Munn, who performed despite having no arms, alongside Stewart Copeland of The Police. This dynamic pairing, along with the appearance of performer Chiara Bersani, underscored the event’s central message: that limitations can be transformed into sources of strength and creativity. The use of light and visual effects, including a beam of light cutting across the Arena, further emphasized the theme of breaking boundaries and embracing change.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics represent a significant moment for Italy and the Paralympic movement. The Games, which will run through March 15th, will showcase athletes from around the globe competing in a variety of winter sports. The opening ceremony served not only as a celebration of athletic prowess but also as a powerful statement about the importance of inclusivity, resilience, and the unwavering human spirit. The event’s success sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling and inspiring two weeks of competition.
The next confirmed event is the start of the alpine skiing competitions on March 9th at the Bormio ski resort. Fans can find the full schedule and results on the official Milano Cortina 2026 website: https://www.milanocortina2026.org/en/. What were your favorite moments from the opening ceremony? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
