The ⚡spark is officially lit! Paralympic stars Millie Knight (GBR) and Andrea Macri (ITA) ignited the 2026 Winter Paralympics flame Tuesday in Stoke Mandeville – the historic birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. With just 10 days until the torch relay begins, the countdown to March 6's Opening Ceremony is ON! 🎿⏳
Knight, a four-time Paralympic skiing medalist, and Macri, Italy's Para ice hockey vice-captain, lit the symbolic flame before 200 guests at a ceremony hosted by British legend Dame Sarah Storey. The event marks Italy's first Winter Paralympics hosting in 20 years – and the flame's emotional return to Rome's legacy.
"This isn't just about sport – it's about changing how society sees ability," said IPC President Andrew Parsons. The torch will now embark on an 11-day, 2,000km journey through five Italian cities before lighting up Verona Arena on March 6. 🗺️🔥
Pro tip for travelers: The relay's festival stops in Milano, Torino, and Trento promise epic cultural mashups of sport, art, and Italian dolce vita. Who's ready for the ultimate #WinterGames road trip? 🚗❄️
