The spirit of the Paralympic Games arrived in the Vicentino region of Italy this week, as the Paralympic Flame made its way through Bassano, Thiene, and Vicenza on March 5th and 6th, 2026. The flame’s journey, a precursor to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, was met with enthusiastic support from students, local associations, and civic leaders, embodying a powerful message of inclusion and resilience.
Vicenza Welcomes the Flame
The city of Vicenza was a focal point of the flame’s passage. The route began on Via Battaglione Framarin and culminated in Piazza Matteotti. A slight adjustment to the schedule saw the flame passed along before the scheduled arrival of Vicenza’s Mayor Giacomo Possamai and Sports Assessor Leone Zilio. Upon reaching Piazza Matteotti, the torchbearers were greeted by representatives from the Paralympic Committee, Councilor Mauro Burlina – delegated for inclusive policies – members of disability advocacy groups, and Silvana Valente, a paracyclist from Schio who earned silver and two bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics.
“The Paralympics reflect the Olympic spirit of sport for all,” Mayor Possamai emphasized. “It is an honor that the flame has passed through Vicenza.”
A Festive Atmosphere in Bassano del Grappa
The flame’s journey as well brought a celebratory atmosphere to the towns of Cassola and Bassano del Grappa. Students and faculty from local schools lined the streets to cheer on the torchbearers. The relay began near the border between Cassola and Bassano, with sixteen torchbearers carrying the flame to the Ponte della Vittoria (Victory Bridge). Among them was Giulia Ruffato, a former paracyclist from Pianiga, near Venice.
Cassola’s Mayor, Giannantonio Stangherlin, and Assessor Antonio Comunello were present to welcome the flame. “The initiative was moving, especially because it brought a symbol of communication between peoples, representing inclusion and the resilience of athletes who are an example to all,” Stangherlin stated.
The region is particularly excited about the upcoming Games, with local athlete Mattia Dal Pastro set to compete in Nordic skiing and biathlon on March 11th and 15th. Mayor Stangherlin confirmed that representatives from the local administration will be in Tesero to support Dal Pastro during his competitions.
The procession continued through Bassano, passing the Monte Grappa barracks before reaching the monument to General Giardino, where a brief ceremony was held with Mayor Nicola Finco, Member of the European Parliament Elena Donazzan, and leaders from the National and local branches of the Alpine Association (ANA). Bassano’s Deputy Mayor and Sports Assessor, Mariano Scotton, praised the organization of the event, noting the positive response from residents and the strong turnout from students and volunteer organizations.
Thiene Celebrates Inclusion
Over 800 students, alongside numerous citizens and volunteers from local associations, gathered in the center of Thiene to welcome the Paralympic Flame. Eleven torchbearers, some using wheelchairs, carried the flame along a route from Via Divisione Julia to the train station. Among the torchbearers was Chiara Mastrotto, President of the Mastrotto Group.
“It was a strong emotion, but above all a moment that made me reflect,” Mastrotto shared. “Being a torchbearer is not just a personal recognition; it means representing a message. The Paralympic flame evokes the value of people, respect for individual paths, and the determination with which difficulties are faced. Carrying it is a symbolic gesture that draws attention to those who face more complex challenges every day. I lived it as a great honor, but above all as a responsibility.”
The flame was greeted with applause as it passed the beginning of Corso Garibaldi. Thiene’s Mayor, Giampi Michelusi, highlighted the flame’s representation of the core values of sport: inclusion, determination, and respect. “It is a source of pride for Thiene to participate in this symbolic journey that celebrates the courage and strength of Paralympic athletes, and the value of a society capable of breaking down barriers and promoting equal opportunities,” he said. Sports Assessor Marina Maino added a message of peace, stating, “Now more than ever, the Paralympic flame has the task of illuminating these dark times.”
The Paralympic Flame’s journey through the Vicentino region served as a powerful reminder of the inclusive spirit of the Paralympic Games and the inspiring stories of athletes who overcome adversity. As the flame continues its path towards Milano Cortina 2026, it carries with it a message of hope, resilience, and the unifying power of sport.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics are scheduled to begin on February 6, 2026. Keep an eye on Archysport for continued coverage as the Games approach and for live updates during the competition.
