Milano Cortina 2026 – CEO Insights Tuesday March 17

Ciao and greetings from Milano Cortina for the final time,

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games came to an end, with a memorable Closing Ceremony in Cortina. It was a great spectacle and celebration, and both competing New Zealand Paralympians at Milano Cortina 2026 featured – Corey Peters as the NZ Paralympic Team flagbearer, and silver medallist Adam Hall, who was acknowledged for his election to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council.

The Closing Ceremony brought the curtain down on the 50^th anniversary edition, which featured a record 611 Paralympians from 55 nations. Entitled “Italian Souvenir” the Closing Ceremony celebrated the achievements of the Paralympians through a mix of music, dance and lights. IPC President Andrew Parsons praised the Italian public and organising committee for an unforgettable Games, but reserved particular praise for the Paralympians saying, “you rose above pressure, expectation and global tension to keep the focus on sport.”

Delivering a Paralympic Games campaign is the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and effort. On behalf of Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ), I acknowledge everyone who has played a part in enabling the NZ Paralympic Team to compete at this year’s Paralympic Winter Games, and make special mention of the efforts of NZ Paralympic Team Support Staff, the PNZ staff Team, PNZ Board, Snow Sports NZ, and most importantly, our Paralympians Adam and Corey, and Chef de Mission Jane Stevens.

As we wrap-up Milano Cortina 2026 and take time to reflect, we’ll soon shift our focus to LA28, where the next Summer Paralympic Games will take place from 15-27 August 2028. And for those of us that are counting, it’s only 884 days away…

Until next time, thanks once again, and remember to #KeepTalkingAboutThis, and together we can really make a positive impact and change attitudes on disability for the better, and in the process, identify the next generation of Paralympians to be representing the NZ Paralympic Team at French Alps 2030.

Ngā mihi and grazie!