CORTINA D’AMPEZZO (ITALPRESS) – A great holiday in Cortina d’Ampezzo to close the Winter Paralympic Games of Milan Cortina 2026. The spectator began under the name of “Italian Souvenir” and celebrated the already legendary Olympic and Paralympic adventure lived in Italy. “At the centre is the human being – this is the explanation – even before the athlete. His journey, his climbing, his ability to turn the limit into a goal. Here every distinction between skill and disability dissolves, leaving the most powerful value of sport emerge.” And inclusion was the core of the whole ceremony. After the artistic introduction, six paralympic champions including Melania Corradini, Josh Dueck, Simone Barlaam, Martina Caironi brought the Italian flag, while Mameli’s anthem was sung by Arisa. Later Tina and Milo, the two mascots of Milan Cortina 2026, entered the stage to accompany the parade of delegations, with Emanuel Perathoner who brought the tricolor closing in fact the parade. Assente Giorgia Meloni, stopped from bad weather, but the Premier wanted to leave a message on social: “The Winter Paralympic Games of Milan Cortina 2026 close. Thanks to all our athletes of the National Paralympic for the emotions and for the extraordinary results you have given to Italy. With your talent, your determination and your example, you have made the whole nation proud. Thank you for bringing the Tricolor up.” During the ceremony Giovanni Malagò, President of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026: “So, what do we take home from Milan Cortina 2026? Each of us will preserve personal memories and precious emotions, which will remain unforgettable. But there is a simple word that unites us all, without distinction of age, condition or nationality. This word is hope. The hope that sport and its values can help build a better future for humanity. At a time when the drums and flags of war seem to prevail, we talked together about peace, friendship, respect and inclusion. To the images of brutality and destruction we have opposed those of a fair competition capable of building solidarity and opening new horizons. These are the flags we are fighting for.” Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, wanted to launch a message from the similar content thanking Italy: “You paratletes have been able to elevate you over global pressure, you have managed to focus on you and your sport, you have shown that excellence knows no boundaries. Each race has told a story, which will continue to inspire everyone. There have been no investment only on accessibility, it is not a simple upgrade, but on the type of company we want to build. I thank the Italian Government and the regions for investing in a more inclusive future. Now everyone sees skills where they once saw disability, this is the real legacy of the Games. As the flame turns out, the spirit does not fade, it will remain within us. When we focus on human potential, sport can unite us.” In the final, the Italian delegation returned the Paralympic flag to Andrew Parsons, then passed to the committee of the French Alps 2030, which will organize the next Games. The Marsigliese for the passage of deliveries and the shutdown of the two braziers of Milan and Cortina that closed, after the Olympics, also the Paralympics of Milan-Cortina 2026.– photo Ipa Agency – (ITALPRESS).
