Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics Concludes with Spectacular Closing Ceremony

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics bid farewell with a remarkable closing ceremony held at the Cortina Curling Centre. This year's edition, commemorating its 50th anniversary since its inception in 1974 in Sweden, saw participation from a record 611 athletes representing 55 nations across 79 medal events in six different sports.

The ceremony, named 'Italian Souvenir', honored the Games and the accomplishments of all the athletes through a blend of music, dance, and illuminations. During his closing address, Andrew Parsons, the President of the International Paralympic Committee, commended both the Italian public and the organizing committee for the enduring legacy they have established. He particularly lauded the athletes, acknowledging their ability to rise above challenges and distractions, emphasizing the universality of excellence and determination in sports.

The Paralympic flag was passed on to the French Alps 2030 organizing committee, set to host the next Winter Paralympics. The flames in Milan and Cortina were extinguished, symbolizing the conclusion of the successful event.

One of the highlights of the Games was the return of Russian athletes under their national flag for the first time since 2014, following the lifting of their suspension by the International Paralympic Committee. Despite initial controversies, the Russian team clinched 12 medals, including eight golds, securing the third position on the medal table.

American athlete Oksana Masters, already a Paralympic icon, added to her impressive medal collection with four golds and a bronze in Italy, bringing her total tally to 24 medals. Masters, known for her success in various Paralympic sports, overcame personal challenges to achieve outstanding results in cross-country skiing and biathlon at the Milan-Cortina Games.

China maintained its dominance at the Winter Paralympics, securing the top spot on the medal table with 44 medals, including 15 golds. Notably, a record number of 27 National Paralympic Committees earned medals at the Games, showcasing the global reach and inclusivity of the event.

Italy, as the host nation, had a successful Games, claiming 16 medals, including seven golds, their best performance at a Winter Paralympics. Athletes like snowboarder Emanuel Perathoner and visually impaired skier Giacomo Bertagnolli stood out with exceptional performances, contributing to Italy's medal haul.

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics will be remembered for its competitive spirit, outstanding achievements, and the unifying power of sports, as athletes from around the world showcased their resilience and talent on the grand stage.