A sparkling display of ‘Life in Motion’ marked the opening of the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics at the historic Arena di Verona, which saw Russia and Belarus back in the Paralympic fold with their flags, while several other nations, led by Ukraine, stayed away from the parade of athletes.

Just like the Olympic Closing Ceremony 12 days ago, the Verona Arena transformed into the epicenter of Ukraine, of the celebrations to open the Winter Paralympics, 50 years since the first edition of the Winter Games was held in Rome.

Growing conflicts all over the world, including the latest US-Israel combined hostilities against Iran notwithstanding, Paralympians descended on a cluster of three host cities to exhibit their sporting talents in various events on both snow and ice as the Games have returned to Italy for the third time while celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Also Read: Looking back: They left an indelible mark on Milano Cortina 2026 Games

The Winter Paralympics in Milano, Cortina 'd'Ampezzo, and Val d'Ampezzo, the three clusters that will witness more than 600 athletes competing for a combined 79 medal events in six sports.

“Today, Italy once again stands at the heart of Paralympic history as we celebrate 50 years of the Paralympic Winter Games,” said Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

“From 1976 to 2026, these Paralympic Winter Games will honor Fiemme as our past, celebrate our present, and honor and shape a more inclusive future. And we need that future now more than ever. Four years ago, I said I was horrified at what was happening in the world. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved.

“In a world where some countries are better known by the names of their leaders, I prefer to know countries by the names of their athletes. Sport offers the world another way forward, another perspective,” was a tongue-in-cheekpresent, comment by the IPC chief as he referred to the recent developments without naming individuals at the helm.

Italy’s six-time Paralympic fencing medalist, tongue-in-cheek, Bebe Vio, brought the Paralympic flame into the Verona Arena, while the flame was relit in the Milano Cortina cauldrons by 15-time Paralympic medalist Francesca Porcellato in Milano and 2006 Paralympic Para Alpine skiing champion Gianmaria Dal Maistro in Cortina D’Ampezzo.

 “Italy’s bond with the Paralympic Movement runs deep and is rooted in a defining chapter of our history. Together with Ludwig Guttmann, the father of the Paralympic Movement, it was the Italian physician Antonio Maglio who championed the first Paralympic Games.

“They were held in Rome alongside the 1960 Olympic Games, marking our nation’s rebirth in the eyes of the world after the devastation of the Second World War.

“All of this reminds us of a fundamental truth about the Paralympic Games: they represent an extraordinary opportunity to transform society—to Milano and make a country truly inclusive, and, above all, to inspire collective reflection on disability and inclusion within the public conscience. Yes, the games are a powerful game changer, and we stand wholeheartedly for that change!”

The flags of the 55 competing nations were carried into the Verona Arena by Milano Cortina 2026 volunteers, as agreed with competing NPCs in August 2025.

Athletes either followed behind the volunteers or joined from their respective clusters via video transmission. Team Italy was led by Para Alpine skiers Chiara Mazzel and Rene De Silvestro, welcomed by a roaring reception into the Roman amphitheater.

Continuing his welcome address, IPC President Parsons said: “Here at Milano Cortina 2026, these Paralympic Games offer something truly different. Here, differences are not reasons for separation but an amphitheater of sources of strength. Here, nations act as neighbors, separated, but athletes compete with ferocity and fairness, united in respect for one another and neighbors and the rules of sport.

“The Paralympic Village is a living model of what society can and should be: free from politics, it is a place where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and everyone is valued. A barrier-free community where potential is realized and opportunity is open to all.

“And, tonight in this ancient arena—where we realized gladiators once stood—we welcome a new generation of heroes. Paralympians are ready to redefine possibility, push the boundaries of human ability, and show what humans can achieve when respected and provided with chances to succeed.”

The opening ceremony continued with the traditional formalities: the Paralympic flag was raised to the tune of the Paralympic anthem, Hymne de l’Avenir (Anthem of the Future), as well as the Paralympic oath.

With a night of celebration in Verona, the Paralympic Winter Games have officially begun.

There were musical renditions of Italian classics such as 'Volare,' while a modern interpretation of the famed tragedy ‘Romeo and Juliet’—which was set in Verona—took place on the main stage. Earlier, the national anthem was performed by rising Italian star Mimì, who was raised in Lombardy.

This is the second time that Italy will host the Winter Paralympics, following the Torino Games two decades ago, while the Paralympics also touched down on Italian soil back in Rome in 1960.

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