The one-year countdown to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games was marked by a special celebration in Milan on Wednesday. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons stated that the upcoming program is expected to be "the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet" and will capture the attention of spectators and TV audiences worldwide.

Scheduled to take place from March 6 to 15, 2026, the Milano-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games will feature approximately 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions competing in six sports, with a total of 79 gold medals up for grabs. The opening ceremony will be held at the historic Arena di Verona, while the closing ceremony will take place at the Ice Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The competition venues are spread across northern Italy, with Para ice hockey set to take place in Milan, Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing in the scenic Val di Fiemme, and Para alpine skiing, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling in Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the heart of the Dolomites.

As part of the countdown celebrations, ticket sales officially opened on Wednesday, with a 24-hour pre-sale period exclusively for Visa cardholders, followed by public sales on Thursday. According to the organizing committee, over 89 percent of tickets will be priced at 35 euros (about $37.85) or less, with children's tickets starting at just 10 euros (about $10.81). More than 200,000 low-cost tickets will be available to ensure greater public access to the event.

"Milano-Cortina 2026 will be more than just a sports competition, and it will serve as a catalyst for social change and inclusivity," Parsons said at the event. "From the tactical precision of wheelchair curling to the speed and endurance of Para cross-country skiing, every sport will showcase the resilience and determination of Paralympic athletes."

The Paralympic torch relay will span 11 days, covering 2,000 kilometers with 501 torchbearers participating. Organizers emphasized that the relay will not only mark the countdown to the Games but also serve as a platform to promote inclusivity and unity worldwide.