On the evening of March 6, local time, the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics opened in Verona, Italy. This is the second time Italy has hosted the Winter Paralympics since the 2006 Turin Paralympic Winter Games.
The opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics was held at Verona's prestigious World Heritage Site, the Colosseum. 2,000 years ago, ancient Roman gladiators competed here; now, it has transformed into a stage for sports passion and contemporary art through dazzling light and shadow technology.
The picture shows the scene of the opening ceremony. Photo by Guangming Daily reporter An Shenglan/Guangming Pictures
The theme of the opening ceremony is "Rhythm of Life", which explains the concept that life itself is a butterfly change, and redefines people's understanding of disability through a new harmonious coexistence between people and the environment. In the center of the stage, disabled dancers and able-bodied dancers used body movements to spell out the countdown numbers from 10 to 1. A beam of light is projected down, splitting the stage in two, symbolizing that the Winter Paralympics is open to everyone.
Amid dynamic music and dance, the Chinese delegation entered the venue at the 14th place. Snowboarder Li Tiantian, alpine skier Li Xiang, coach Wang Jingping, and staff Tian Kaixuan appeared as representatives of the Chinese delegation. Other members of the delegation appeared via live video in the Milan, Cortina and Tesero divisions.
This year's Chinese delegation has a total of 70 athletes and will participate in 71 minor events in all 6 major events. This is the Winter Paralympics that China has participated in the most events and the largest number of athletes overseas.
This Winter Paralympics coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics. It is a milestone and a new starting point. "This Olympic Games will shine not only for its beauty, but also for its meaning and heritage." Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, said in his speech that Paralympic athletes are ready to redefine possibilities and push the limits of human ability. The wonderful presentation of the Paralympic Games will inspire people around the world.
As the place where Shakespeare’s life-and-death love story of Romeo and Juliet took place, Verona is known as the “City of Love.” Rooted in urban culture, the value core of love and tolerance runs through the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. Accompanied by the recitation of poems about "love", "Romeo" played by disabled dancers and "Juliet" played by able-bodied dancers danced suspended on metal arms, leading the audience to "fall in love" – this means that human emotions will not be hindered by differences, and love can eliminate all barriers, bridge all gaps, and allow people to embrace each other and unite together.
As Italian wheelchair fencer Bebe Vio brought the torch into the Verona Arena, everyone passed the light and shadow flames with their hands, turning the entire venue into a torch tower. On the big screen, two torchbearers in Milan and Cortina simultaneously lit two local torch towers. The Winter Paralympic flame rose in the form of golden particles in the center of the Verona Arena stage, and then transformed into silver snowflakes, drawing a dazzling end to the night of celebrations.
A total of 611 athletes from 55 countries and regions participated in this Winter Paralympic Games. Among them, 5 teams from El Salvador, Haiti, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Portugal made their first appearance at the Winter Paralympics. On the ice and in the snow, athletes will unleash their potential, surpass themselves, and write great chapters in sports history one after another.
From Beijing to Milan, Chinese Winter Paralympic athletes have never stopped chasing their dreams. After four years of accumulation, their strength and mentality have become more mature. They are confident and will show off their talents in the next competition.
(Guangming Daily, Verona, March 7)
"Guangming Daily" (page 12, March 8, 2026)
