VERONA, Italy (AP) — The Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics officially commenced on Friday amidst the backdrop of escalating tensions from an ongoing war in the Middle East. Several countries chose to boycott the opening ceremony due to the reinstatement of the Russian flag in international sports.
The 2026 event marked the first instance of the Russian flag being displayed at the Paralympics since the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, indicating a potential complete reintegration of Russia into the Olympic fold ahead of the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. As the Russian athletes paraded, some audible boos could be heard, and four representatives donned bright red uniforms as they waved to the crowd from the ancient Arena di Verona, which had been equipped with new wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms alongside other safety improvements.
For the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia's national anthem could be played for any gold medalists during a major global sporting event. The ban on Russian athletes was instituted due to a state-sponsored doping program, and these sanctions persisted following the military conflict. A moment of recognition was given to Ukraine in the ceremony, which was met with applause, although no Ukrainian athletes were present as the nation opted to boycott the event. Six additional countries, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania, also abstained from attending for political reasons, according to the International Paralympic Committee.
In contrast, the flag of Belarus, a staunch ally of Russia, was displayed, with two athletes participating in the ceremonial parade. Notably absent was Iran's flag, as its only representative, Para cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi, had to withdraw hours prior to the ceremony due to difficulties in safely traveling to Italy amidst the region's heightened conflict triggered by U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.
IPC President Andrew Parsons expressed his disappointment regarding the global situation, stating, “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.”
Only about 45 of the over 600 athletes participating were able to represent their nations during the ceremony. This Olympic event is one of the most extensive ever organized, featuring competitions across multiple clusters in Italy, which limited the attendance of many athletes who were beginning their events early on Saturday morning. Among those representing the United States were Laurie Stephens, a Para alpine skier, and Josh Pauls, a Para ice hockey player.
While flagbearers were announced for each nation, volunteers managed the flags since not all flagbearers were able to attend due to logistics and timing with training schedules. Videos of absent athletes were showcased at their respective competition locations to include them in the opening festivities.
Italian fencing champion Bebe Vio had the honor of carrying the Paralympic flame into the arena, while fellow Italian wheelchair athlete Francesca Porcellato ignited the cauldron in Cortina d’Ampezzo. In Milan, visually impaired alpine skier Gianmaria Dal Maistro lit the cauldron.
The opening ceremony featured performances including Stewart Copeland, renowned drummer of The Police, and DJ Miky Bionic, who is recognized as the first DJ to perform with a bionic arm. The Milan Cortina Games are significant, as they commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics. Athletes will compete in 79 events across six sports, marking the largest Winter Paralympics to date, with record female participation highlighted by the IPC. Curling events commenced on Wednesday.
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Azzoni reported from Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, with AP Sports Writer Daniella Matar contributing from Milan.
