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≡ OPENING CEREMONIES ≡
“When the first Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960 thanks to the work of Sir [Ludwig] Guttmann and Dr Antonio Maglio, athletes competed not for applause or headlines, but to prove a simple, powerful truth: that human potential is infinite.”
That introduction by International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons (BRA) was the theme of the colorful opening of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at the ancient Arena di Verona, upgraded for much greater accessibility specifically with this moment in mind.
Parsons, noted, however, the reflection of the opening of the 2022 Winter Paralympics, just after Russia had started its invasion of Ukraine:
“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.
“Here at Milano Cortina 2026, these Paralympic Games offer something truly different.
“Here, differences are not reasons for separation, but sources of strength.
“Here, nations gather as neighbors, and athletes compete with ferocity and fairness, united in respect for one another and of 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 gladiators once stood – we welcome a new generation of heroes.”
Organizing committee chief Giovanni Malago (ITA) underscored the Italian role in helping to create what is now the Paralympic Movement:
“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 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.”
As he did for the Olympic Winter Games, Italian President Sergio Mattarella opened the Games.
The parade of the nations was one of the most compact in history. A total of 55 nations were represented, with the flags carried – as approved by the International Paralympic Committee delegations last year – by volunteers and not by athletes. Owing to the spread-out nature of the Games and the competition schedule which got going in earnest on Saturday morning, only 45 athletes from 29 delegations actually marched; the U.S. was represented by alpine skier Laurie Stephens and sled hockey’s Josh Pauls.
The IPC said Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine did not attend the opening as a political statement.
Russia had its flag in the opening for the first time since the Sochi 2014 Games in view of doping issues and its invasion of Ukraine. It was re-admitted by a vote of the IPC General Assembly last September. More cheers were heard for the Ukrainian entry.
The Paralympic Flame entered the Arena di Verona via six-time Paralympic fencing medal winner Bebe Vio (ITA) and the cauldrons were lit in Milan by 15-time Paralympic medalist Francesca Porcellato (athletics, cycling, cross-country skiing), and by Turin 2006 Paralympic skiing winner Gianmaria Dal Maistro in Cortina.
The show closed with Domenico Modugno’s immortal “Volare” from 1958, perhaps the most celebrated Italian song of all, and as such, an invitation for everyone to enjoy the Winter Games.
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