Paralympic Mural unveiled on the eve of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games

The Paralympic Mural was officially inaugurated during a ceremony held at the Cortina Paralympic Village today (5 March). The Mural celebrates the IPC/UNESCO Paris 2024 Call to Action, a roadmap for governments and stakeholders to increase investment and drive policy change for disability inclusion through sport, education, and research.

IPC President Andrew Parsons, Milano Cortina 2026 President Giovanni Malagó and UNESCO Director of Social Policies Gustavo Merino unveiled the mural and were joined by members of the IPC Governing Board, IPC Athletes’ Council, Milano Cortina 2026 leadership, and athletes. 

The IPC/UNESCO Paris 2024 Call to Action was launched prior to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and represents the IPC’s commitment to leverage its influence to enhance global advocacy for disability inclusion. It aims to lead to policy change and investments in advancing the rights and opportunities of the world’s 1.3 billion persons with disabilities. 

IPC President Andrew Parsons said: “At the IPC, we envision a future whereby every person with a disability has an opportunity to engage in Para sport in whatever way they wish, whether recreationally or competitively.  We aspire for this because we strongly believe Para sport is a vehicle to greater inclusion across all sectors, which is why at the IPC we believe Change Starts with Sport.

“As shown here with Milano Cortina 2026, the Games here have not just acted as a catalyst to engaging people in sport but led to several tremendous infrastructure projects and changes that probably would not have happened without this sport event taking place.

“By signing the Paralympic Mural, athletes and officials will show their support for the Paris 2024 Call to Action. Their signatures will act as encouragement to governments, the private sector and civil society to work together to tackle barriers to inclusion and make it possible for every person with a disability to have access to the power of Para sport.” 

Milano Cortina 2026 President Malagò said: “By signing the Paralympic mural, we collectively reaffirm our commitment to removing barriers and advancing inclusion. This symbolic action serves as a reminder that accessibility is a shared responsibility, and that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the power and potential of Para sport. 

“Over the past years, the Organising Committee has worked, together with our partners and stakeholders, to strengthen accessibility across all aspects. These efforts reflect our belief that the Games must not only celebrate extraordinary athletic excellence but also drive longterm progress for society as a whole.

“At the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their remarkable abilities and deliver performances of the highest level. Their determination and talent embody the true spirit of the Paralympic Movement, inspiring millions and demonstrating the power of Para sport. We are honoured to provide a stage where they can shine and share their stories with the world."

UNESCO Director of Social Policies Gustavo Merino said: “Today, we are not simply unveiling a mural — we are bringing into public view a shared commitment, one embodied in our joint Paris 2024 Call to Action, a key reference for advancing disability inclusion in and through sport. For us at UNESCO, the priority is to ensure that this commitment leads to concrete policies, sustained investment, and genuine opportunities for persons with disabilities to access sport at every level. Together, we must build systems that endure beyond the Games and expand participation far beyond the podium.”

Three murals are on display at the Paralympic Athletes Villages in Milano, Cortina and Val di Fiemme and can be signed until the closing of the Games on 15 March 2026.