Italy Hosts 2026 Winter Paralympics with a Grand Opening in Verona
The 2026 Winter Paralympics are underway in Italy, marking the event’s 50th anniversary. The games opened at the historic amphitheater in Verona, the same venue where the Olympics concluded last month. This edition is Italy’s third time hosting the Paralympics, following Rome in 1960 and Turin in 2006.
The games are spread across northern Italy, with competitions in Milan, Cortina D’Ampezzo, and Val di Fiemme. Over 665 athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities will compete for 79 medals in six sports, including para Alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.
Participation and Team Highlights
The United States is fielding 68 athletes, making it the second-largest team after China, which led the medal tally at the 2022 Paralympics. Team USA, historically dominant in Winter Paralympics, aims to maintain its top position in medal counts.
Among the U.S. athletes are seasoned Paralympians and newcomers, all eager to showcase their skills and sportsmanship on the world stage.
How to Watch the Games
The opening ceremony was broadcast by NBC and Peacock, live at 2 p.m. ET, with a replay at 8 p.m. NBC promises extensive coverage, including live streams of every sport on Peacock and cable broadcasts on USA Network and CNBC.
The theme “Life in Motion” set the stage for performances by Stewart Copeland and Meduza, alongside the Parade of Nations featuring 56 delegations. American flag bearers Josh Pauls and Laurie Stephens led Team USA.
Noteworthy Competitions and Challenges
The U.S.-Canada rivalry in sled hockey is a key storyline, with the U.S. team aiming for a fifth consecutive gold medal. The games also introduce wheelchair curling’s mixed doubles, with Americans Steve Emt and Laura Dwyer competing.
Amid the sports excitement, geopolitical tensions underscore the event. Iran’s sole athlete withdrew due to safety concerns after regional conflicts. Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under their national flags despite ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. Some nations are boycotting in protest.
Understanding the Paralympics
The Paralympics originated from the Stoke Mandeville Games for WWII veterans in 1948 and have evolved into a global event featuring athletes with various disabilities. They run parallel to the Olympics, sharing venues and timelines.
Events are tailored to athletes’ capabilities, with adaptations in equipment and rules. For example, para ice hockey uses sleds and two sticks, while para curling does not allow sweeping.
Athletes and organizers emphasize the unique nature and excitement of Paralympic sports, encouraging audiences to engage and learn more about these inspiring competitions.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
