The NZ Paralympic Team is aiming to give Kiwis “Something to Talk About” at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games (7–16 March NZT). The milestone 50th anniversary edition will get underway with the Opening Ceremony at the historic Verona Arena, starting from 8am (NZT) on Saturday (7 March).
New Zealand’s highly experienced Para alpine skiing duo Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM and #188 Corey Peters MNZM will proudly represent their country at Milano Cortina 2026, looking to add further gloss to their already exceptional records at the pinnacle event.
Due to performance priorities, New Zealand will opt like some other teams to not attend the Opening Ceremony in person, but will still be part of it remotely, with footage of the Team included in the event – which will be screened live on TVNZ Duke. Hall was named as the official flagbearer to the NZ Paralympic Team.
The Team is targeting further success to add to the NZ Paralympic Team’s tally of 35 medals, including 17 gold, won at the Paralympic Winter Games over the past five decades.
Hall is poised to make history with a record-extending sixth competitive appearance at the Paralympic Winter Games — the most ever by a Kiwi. The milestone will also see him equal the record for the most Paralympic Games appearances by a New Zealander, matching the feat of Summer Paralympians – Paralympian #4 Graham Condon QSM and #148 Michael Johnson MNZM.
Making his Paralympic debut at Torino 2006, Hall, a five-time Paralympic medallist, enjoys a full circle moment by returning to Italy. Entered in the Men’s Giant Slalom Standing and Men’s Slalom Standing — an event in which he previously won gold at Vancouver 2010 and PyeongChang 2018 — the Wānaka resident said: “It’s hard to put into words what it means to be heading to my sixth Paralympic Winter Games — every time I pull on the fern, it’s just as special as the first. The journey to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has taken years of hard work and an incredible amount of support from my family, coaches and the wider support team.
“I’m proud to represent New Zealand on the global stage once again and to show what’s possible for the next generation of Kiwi Para athletes watching back home. Milano Cortina is going to be an unforgettable experience, and I’m ready to give everything I have out on the snow.”
Peters is set to compete at his fourth Paralympic Winter Games aiming to continue his streak of having podiumed on each previous occasion. After winning a Giant Slalom Sitting silver medal on his Paralympic debut in Sochi 2014, he then added a bronze medal in the Men’s Downhill Sitting at Pyeongchang 2018. However, Peters, who hails from New Plymouth, enjoyed his finest hour at Beijing 2022. Executing a near perfect run, the Wānaka-based sit skier, claimed a stunning gold medal in the Men’s Downhill Sitting and silver in the Men’s Super-G Sitting.
After his partner, Karin, gave birth to their first child, later in 2022, he approaches Milano Cortina a committed family man, but with the same burning desire to deliver on the highest stage.
He said: “Earning selection to compete at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games is a huge honour. Every Paralympic cycle brings new challenges and opportunities to grow, and I’ve worked hard to make sure I’m ready to perform at my best on the biggest stage.
“Representing New Zealand and wearing the silver fern is something that never gets old — it’s a privilege to stand alongside such an inspiring team. I’m excited to compete in Milano Cortina, soak up the atmosphere, and give everything I have in pursuit of another strong performance for my country.”
Excitement has been mounting since the Team arrived in the Cortina Paralympic Village on March 1 when a pounamu was gifted to each member of the NZ Paralympic delegation on arrival.
NZ Paralympic Team Milano Cortina 2026 Chef de Mission Jane Stevens said: “We are incredibly proud to be here at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Our preparation, including a highly valuable holding camp, has gone extremely well. The dedication and professionalism shown by our Paralympians, coaches, whānau and support staff behind the scenes has been truly outstanding.
“The Team now turns its focus to executing Games plans that have been four years in the making. If they deliver on those plans and perform to their potential, we are confident the results they are striving for will follow. We know they will represent New Zealand with pride and carry the mana of our nation onto the global stage.”
TVNZ Duke and TVNZ+ will broadcast unprecedented coverage of the Paralympic Winter Games, which will attract around 665 Paralympians competing across 79 events in six Para sports. Coverage on TVNZ Duke will begin from either 9 or 9.30pm each night and run through until the next morning. TVNZ+ will run up to five dedicated pop-up channels with live and delayed content, plus replays and highlights.
Peters will be the first Kiwi in action at Milano Cortina 2026, defending his Men’s Downhill Sitting title on Saturday 7 March. His event will be following the completion of the Men’s Downhill Vision Impaired (VI) and Men’s Downhill Standing events (VI is scheduled from 10.50pm).
For more Games-related information go here.
