Cortina d’Ampezzo, March 15, 2026 – The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games officially concluded tonight with a moving closing ceremony held at the newly modernized Olympic Ice Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The event marked the end of a successful Games that saw record participation and media coverage, leaving a lasting legacy of inclusivity and accessibility.
“Ciao Ciao Cortina”: A Farewell to a Historic Event
The phrase “Ciao ciao Cortina” lit up the Olympic Ice Stadium, a poignant farewell as the curtain fell on the Winter Paralympics. The venue, a symbol of the VII Winter Games in 1956, underwent significant modernization and expansion specifically for this edition of the Paralympics, highlighting the commitment to state-of-the-art facilities for athletes with disabilities.
Among the distinguished guests was Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies. The ceremony commenced with the Italian national anthem, beautifully performed by Arisa, accompanying the flag-raising by the State Police in historical uniform. Following a captivating performance segment and the parade of athlete representatives, all met with enthusiastic applause from the public, Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, addressed the attendees.
“In this ceremony,” Malagò emphasized, “there is the same spirit of all the Games: here a beacon has shone, in a world of darkness. The competitions end, but the legacy remains.”
International Acclaim and a New Model for Future Games
Malagò highlighted the widespread international appreciation for these Italian Games, noting that this was the first edition spread across multiple territories. This distributed model, he announced, will be adopted for future Paralympics, starting with the 2030 Games in France. The Paralympic flag, adorned with the three agitos, was lowered by the Alpini as the Paralympic anthem resonated through the stadium. Anna Scavuzzo, Deputy Mayor of Milan, and Gianluca Lorenzi, Mayor of Cortina, then presented the flag to IPC President Andrew Parsons. Parsons, in turn, entrusted it to Renaud Muselier and Fabrice Pannekoucke, administrators of the French regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, symbolizing the handover to the next host country.
Parsons: “The Most Beautiful Paralympics Ever”
In his closing remarks, the President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, reflected on the significance of the Games. “These Games celebrated the fact that we are all different, but above all, how this diversity has made us stronger,” he stated. “These were the most beautiful Paralympics ever, with more athletes, 611, with more women, and with the greatest media coverage. The legacy is taking shape, thanks to investments in accessibility.”
Prime Minister Meloni Extends Gratitude to Paralympic Athletes
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed her appreciation to the Italian Paralympic National Team via social media. “Thank you to all our Paralympic National Team athletes for the emotions and for the extraordinary results you have given to Italy. With your talent, your determination, and your example, you have made the whole nation proud. Thank you for raising the tricolor high,” she wrote.
Unfortunately, Prime Minister Meloni was unable to attend the closing ceremony in person due to adverse weather conditions. Her flight, which departed from Ciampino around 7 PM towards Istrana (the military airport from which she would have reached the Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina by helicopter), had to return to Ciampino as worsening weather conditions made helicopter transport unsafe.
A Legacy of Accessibility and Diversity
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games have set a new benchmark for future events, not only in terms of athletic performance but also in their commitment to promoting diversity and enhancing accessibility. The investments made in infrastructure and the widespread appreciation for the Games are expected to leave a lasting positive impact on the host regions and the broader Paralympic movement.
The success of these Games underscores the growing global recognition of Paralympic sport and its power to inspire and unite. The focus on accessibility and the record participation of athletes, particularly women, highlight a progressive shift towards a more inclusive sporting landscape.
The “Ciao ciao Cortina” message, while a farewell, also serves as a promise of continued dedication to the values championed by the Paralympic movement, ensuring that the “beacon in the darkness” continues to shine brightly for years to come.
