Verona, Italy – The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games officially commenced Friday evening with an opening ceremony held at the historic Verona Arena. However, the Swiss delegation was notably absent from the event, citing logistical challenges and a pre-planned celebration closer to their base of operations.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, running from March 6th to 15th, are already making history, featuring a record-breaking 611 Para athletes from 55 delegations – surpassing the previous high set at PyeongChang 2018. Athletes will compete across six different winter sports.
According to reports, Swiss Paralympic made the decision well in advance of the Games to forego the journey to Verona. The decision stemmed from a combination of factors, including the considerable travel distance and a restriction limiting each national delegation to just two athletes and two staff members at the opening ceremony. These limitations, imposed by organizers, made participation impractical.
Instead of attending the grand spectacle in Verona, the Swiss team opted for a more intimate celebration at the House of Switzerland in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The event, scheduled for 5:30 PM local time (approximately 17:30 CET), featured a performance to the classic Italian song “Felicità,” celebrating joy and happiness. Fahnenträger (flag bearer) Théo Gmür led the delegation onto the stage, where they were later joined by Swiss Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
Baume-Schneider, who traveled to Italy specifically for the opening ceremony and the upcoming downhill competition, expressed her enthusiasm for the Games. “It fills me with joy that Para-sport will be at the center of attention in the coming days,” she stated, according to reporting from Keystone-SDA. She as well emphasized her hope that the attention garnered by the Paralympics would extend beyond the closing ceremony, inspiring greater inclusivity and recognition for athletes with disabilities.
The Federal Councillor’s visit underscores the Swiss government’s commitment to Para-sport and the broader goals of accessibility and equality. As head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs, Baume-Schneider is responsible for matters relating to the integration of people with disabilities.
Adding a touch of playful anticipation, Baume-Schneider revealed a friendly wager with downhill skier Robin Cuche. She promised to share a dance with Cuche should he secure a medal in Saturday’s downhill event. This lighthearted moment highlights the camaraderie and spirit of the Games.
The choice to host the opening ceremony at the 2,000-year-old Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a deliberate one. Older than the Colosseum in Rome, the arena has a rich history of hosting performances and sporting events, from gladiatorial contests to opera and modern concerts. The Games prompted a €20 million investment from the Italian government to improve accessibility in and around Verona, including within the Arena itself and along key city routes.
Although some nations, including Switzerland, chose not to participate in the opening ceremony, others have boycotted the event altogether in protest of the allowance of Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags. This complex geopolitical backdrop adds another layer to the already compelling narrative of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
The Swiss delegation’s focus now shifts to competition. The team will be looking to build on their Paralympic legacy, aiming for success across the six sports featured in the Games. Fans can follow the Swiss team’s progress and find official updates on the Swiss Paralympic website.
The downhill competition, where Robin Cuche hopes to earn Baume-Schneider a celebratory dance, is scheduled for Saturday, March 7th. The event promises to be a thrilling start to the competitive phase of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
