Milano Cortina 2026: Paralympic Opening Ceremony Speech by the IPC President

President of the Italian Republic, Your Excellency Sergio Mattarella,

Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry,

Paralympic Athletes,

President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee Giovanni Malago

Buona sera Italia, Ciao Verona,

Benvenuti to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games,

Da Roma 1960 a Torino 2006. Ora è il momento di Milano Cortina 2026, che inizia qui nella storica Verona.

Al caro popolo italiano: questa per noi è come una seconda casa. È bello essere di nuovo qui.

Tonight, I want to reflect on something profound: how the efforts of a few can shape the destiny of many. How small numbers, small actions, and small moments can change the course of history.

Almost 80 years ago, Sir Ludwig Guttmann sparked a peaceful revolution.

His pioneering belief - that sport could restore hope, rebuild lives, and unleash human potential – began at Stoke Mandeville.

From those humble beginnings to a global platform showcasing human endeavour and achievement, today the Paralympic Games are the most transformational sport event on earth.

When the first Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960 thanks to the work of Sir Guttmann and Dr Antonio Maglio, athletes competed not for applause or headlines, but to prove a simple, powerful truth: that human potential is infinite.

Today, Italy once again stands at the heart of Paralympic history as we celebrate 50 years of the Paralympic Winter Games.

Grazie, Italia, per il tuo sostegno al Movimento Paralimpico!

From 1976 to 2026, these Paralympic Winter Games will honour our past, celebrate our present and shape a more inclusive future.

And we need that future now more than ever.

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.

Here at Milano Cortina 2026, these Paralympic Games offer something truly different.

Here, differences are not reasons for separation, but sources of strength.

Here, nations gather as neighbours, and athletes compete with ferocity and fairness, united in respect for one another and of the rules of sport.

The Paralympic Village is a living model of what society can and should be: free from politics, it is a place where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and everyone is valued.  A barrier-free community where potential is realised and opportunity is open to all.

And, tonight in this ancient arena - where gladiators once stood - we welcome a new generation of heroes.

Paralympians are ready to redefine possibility, push the boundaries of human ability and show what humans can achieve when respected and provided with chances to succeed.

In the coming days, a record number of athletes and nations will showcase the very best of Paralympic winter sport. Through their exceptional sporting performances, Paralympians will remind the world that disability is not itself a limitation, but an incredible dimension of human diversity.

Paralympic performances will transform attitudes and inspire people everywhere - those in the venues or watching at home, those dreaming of their own future, and those yet to discover the power of sport.

Through the sleet and driving snow, across Milano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Val di Fiemme, these Games will shine not only for their beauty, but for their purpose and legacy.

Change Starts with Sport - and these Games are already making Italy more welcoming and accessible for all.

Grazie per il vostro impegno!

To the Paralympians - here in Verona and in the Paralympic Villages - you are the heartbeat of this movement. You represent the future we all believe in.

You honour the pioneers who came before you.

And you will inspire the generations that follow.

You show us that limits are illusions, that progress is possible, and that humanity’s greatest stories are still to be told.

And tonight, on the historic stage, the next chapter begins.

Paralympians - your actions can, and will, shape the destiny of many.

Grazie mille a tutti!

Thank you very much!

Muito obrigado!

It is now my pleasure to invite the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Sergio Mattarella to declare open the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.