The clock is ticking! 🕒 The one-year countdown to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games kicked off with a high-energy celebration in Milan on Wednesday. IPC President Andrew Parsons called it a milestone moment, promising “the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet” that’ll captivate fans globally. 🌍❄️
Scheduled for March 6–15, 2026, the event will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions, battling for 79 gold medals across six sports. Picture this: the opening ceremony at Verona’s ancient Arena di Verona 🏛️ and snow-covered showdowns in the Dolomites! 🏔️ From Para ice hockey in Milan to wheelchair curling in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the action spans Italy’s iconic north.
🎟️ Tickets dropped Wednesday! With 89% priced under €35 ($38) and kids’ tickets from €10 ($11), over 200,000 affordable seats aim to make the Games accessible to all. Visa cardholders snagged a 24-hour pre-sale, but general sales are live now!
Parsons emphasized the Games’ deeper mission: “More than sports, this is a catalyst for social change and inclusivity.” From wheelchair curling’s strategy 🧊 to Para cross-country skiing’s grit 💪, athletes’ resilience will take center stage.
🔥 The Paralympic torch relay starts soon—covering 2,000 km over 11 days with 501 torchbearers. It’s not just a countdown; organizers say it’s a global rally cry for unity. Let the #RoadTo2026 begin!
