Milano Cortina 2026 opens torchbearer application process

Milano Cortina 2026 has opened the application process for Paralympic and Olympic torchbearers. Anyone born before 5 December 2011 will be able to apply to become part of the 11-day Paralympic Torch Relay, which starts on 24 February 2026.

Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner announced the start of the application process at the Sanremo Music Festival, held just over a year to go until the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Milano Cortina 2026 is looking for torchbearers who have a story to share, filled with passion, talent, energy and respect to illuminate the path toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026, said, “The torchbearers, with their stories and experiences, represent the countless facets of our society and the richness of our country. Their role goes beyond simply carrying the Torches; they will become ambassadors of the values embodies by the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, reinforcing the idea that sport can inspire the world.

“Thanks to them, this journey will become a wonderful moment of inclusivity, openness and sharing.”

🔥 WE ARE ON FIRE! 🔥

Have you always dreamed of carrying the Olympic and Paralympic Torch? Now’s your chance!

Make your dream come true—find out how on the Milano Cortina 2026 website!#MilanoCortina2026 #TorchRelay #Olympics #Paralympics #Sanremo2025 @Olympics @Paralympics

— Milano Cortina 2026 (@milanocortina26) February 12, 2025

How to become a torchbearer

Anyone born before 5 December 2011 can apply on the Milano Cortina 2026 official website. Each candidate will have the opportunity to share their story and explain their desire to be part of this experience.

All torchbearers are expected to represent the values of sport and the Paralympic and Olympic Movements, becoming ambassadors of a message of equality for a world without differences.

Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Torch Relay

The Paralympic Flame will travel 2,000 kilometres in 11 days, from 24 February-6 March 2026. A total of 501 torchbearers will carry the Flame before the cauldron is lit during the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony at the Arena di Verona.

After the Paralympic Flame is created in Stoke Mandeville, United Kingdom, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, it will bring to life five Flame Festivals between 24 February and 2 March in Turin, Milano, Bolzano, Trento and Trieste, with a unification ceremony of the flames taking place on 3 March in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The Torch will travel to Venice and Padova from 4 March before making its grand entrace at the Arena di Verona on 6 March.

Worldwide Paralympic Partner Allianz is the presenting partner of the Journey of the Paralympic Flame. 

Learn more about how to become a torchbearer at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games