THE Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics is finally here!
With 79 medal events taking place across six major sports: Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard, and Wheelchair Curling.
The Paralymplic logo ahead of the gamesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Hyejin Baek and Yongsuk Lee of Team Republic of Korea react during the mixed doubles Round Robin match between Team Great Britain and Team Republic of KoreaCredit: Getty
The competition is spread across four key locations in Northern : Milan, Verona, Tesero, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, ensuring the Games take over the entire region.
Joanna Butterfield and Jason Kean of Team Great Britain compete during the mixed doubles Round Robin match between Team Great Britain and Team Republic of KoreaCredit: Getty
Oksana Masters of Team United States participates in training ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing StadiumCredit: Getty
The setting provides a breathtaking backdrop for the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics, making 2026 a truly historic edition of the Games.
When does the Winter Paralympics start?
While the official Opening Ceremony in Verona takes place on March 6, the sporting action actually began slightly earlier with preliminary Wheelchair Curling sessions from March 4.
However, the medal hunt truly ignites on Saturday, March 7, as the first golds are handed out in Para Alpine Skiing and Para Biathlon.
For those following , the start of the Games is the culmination of years of intense training and preparation at venues like Stoke Mandeville.
Joanna Butterfield of Team Great Britain looks on during the mixed doubles Round Robin match between Team Great Britain and Team Republic of KoreaCredit: Getty
When does the Winter Paralympics finish?
The Games will officially conclude on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with a final flurry of medal events in Para Cross-Country Skiing and the Para Ice gold medal match.
The action wraps up with a celebratory Closing Ceremony in , which will be broadcast live on at 19:30 GMT.
The finale serves as a handover to the next host city and a chance for the 665 participating athletes to celebrate their achievements together.
What are the daily highlights of the Winter Paralympics?
Each day of the Milano Cortina Games offers unique must-watch moments, ranging from the high-speed thrills of the Downhill slopes to the tactical nature of Wheelchair Curling.
Ain Villau of Team Estonia competes during the mixed doubles Round Robin match between Team Estonia and Team Italy on day minus one of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic GamesCredit: Getty
Early highlights include the Para Snowboard Cross finals on March 8 and the intense Para Biathlon sprints taking place in Val di Fiemme.
Alex Massie of Canada during snowboard trainingCredit: Reuters
As the Games reach their midway point, the focus shifts to the newly introduced Mixed Doubles in Wheelchair Curling and the gruelling Para Cross-Country 20km races.
A Para Ice Hockey poster is seen in the corridor inside the residential area of the Paralympic Village on day-3 at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter GamesCredit: Alamy
The final weekend is headlined by the atmosphere of the Para Snowboard Banked Slalom and the climactic Para Ice Hockey final, ensuring the 2026 Games end on an absolute high.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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