Paralympic flame reunited in Cortina

The Paralympic flame was reunited in Cortina d’Ampezzo as final preparations accelerate for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. Flames carried from multiple relay routes were brought together in Largo delle Poste and merged into a single Paralympic Flame to mark the next stage of the build-up to the opening ceremony. The torch had been lit in Stoke Mandeville, regarded as the cradle of the Paralympic movement, before travelling to Italy and visiting cities including Turin, Milan, Bolzano, Trento and Trieste, where a series of relay festivals engaged local communities.

The Cortina ceremony drew athletes, organisers, officials and residents and combined commemorative and participatory elements: cultural performances, speeches and public festivities accompanied the symbolic merging of the flames. A transparent geodesic installation on site provided an immersive visitor experience with photo areas and interactive game stations, designed to involve students and the public while spotlighting accessibility and inclusion. Representatives from the International Paralympic Committee and local authorities underlined the relay’s role in showcasing the determination and achievements of athletes with disabilities and fostering unity among diverse communities.

As part of the traditional torch-relay ritual, the reunification underscored the Paralympic values of perseverance and solidarity. Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is co-hosting the Winter Games with Milan, will stage events across disciplines such as alpine skiing, cross‑country skiing, biathlon and wheelchair curling, and is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes, officials, media and spectators. Local officials described the ceremony as both a celebration of sport and a tribute to regional cultural heritage, saying it marked the start of the final phase of logistical and operational preparations.

Organisers stressed that the flame ceremonies and relay activities aim to inspire communities, promote accessibility and highlight the social impact of sport in overcoming barriers. The reunited Paralympic flame will continue its journey toward the opening ceremony, where it will be used to light the cauldron and officially launch the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, symbolising a commitment to inclusion, athletic excellence and international cooperation.