2026 Milan Olympics and Paralympic Games - The Globe and Mail

2026 Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympic Games

The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are taking place from March 6 to March 15, 2026 in Italy. The Winter Olympic Games took place from February 6 to 22, 2026.

The Games are being held across northern Italy, with ice sports taking place in Milan, snow sports taking place in the mountain resort of Cortina and other towns like Verona and Livigno hosting specific events. Milano Cortina is the most spread out Winter Games in history, and Italy’s fourth time hosting.

The latest

Van Koeverden to focus on grassroots development, accessibility as sports funding questions persist

Secretary of state for sport returns from Winter Games with feedback from athletes, coaches and Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees

Secretary of State of Sport Adam van Koeverden rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Secretary of State of Sport Adam van Koeverden rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Mariam Kourabi

3 min read

Paralympic travel gives athletes a glimpse into a more accessible world

Mariam Kourabi

As a six-time Paralympian, Canada's Greg Westlake knows the challenges of travel well. While the Paralympics are sponsored by an airline and heavily coordinated, challenges often arise in traveling to non-Paralympic tournaments.

As a six-time Paralympian, Canada's Greg Westlake knows the challenges of travel well. While the Paralympics are sponsored by an airline and heavily coordinated, challenges often arise in traveling to non-Paralympic tournaments.

As a six-time Paralympian, Canada's Greg Westlake knows the challenges of travel well. While the Paralympics are sponsored by an airline and heavily coordinated, challenges often arise in traveling to non-Paralympic tournaments.

4 min read

Sledge hockey’s mixed-gender status at Paralympics limits access for women

Mariam Kourabi

Raphaelle Tousignant, the first woman to play for Canada's national para hockey team, in action against South Korea at the world championships in Moose Jaw, Sask., Monday, May 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Hockey Canada Images - Erica Perreaux (Mandatory Credit)

Raphaelle Tousignant, the first woman to play for Canada's national para hockey team, in action against South Korea at the world championships in Moose Jaw, Sask., Monday, May 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Hockey Canada Images - Erica Perreaux (Mandatory Credit)

Raphaelle Tousignant, the first woman to play for Canada's national para hockey team, in action against South Korea at the world championships in Moose Jaw, Sask., Monday, May 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Hockey Canada Images - Erica Perreaux (Mandatory Credit)

5 min read

Para skiers, guides, rely on a powerful connection for Paralympic success

Mariam Kourabi

Mac Marcoux of Canada, right, and his guide Robin Femy race to win 3rd place in the men's downhill, visually impaired event at the 2014 Winter Paralympic, Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. Marcoux earned his second gold medal of the World Para-Alpine Skiing Championships, teaming with guide Jack Leitch to win Thursday's super-G race in the men's visually impaired category.THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP/Dmitry Lovetsky

Mac Marcoux of Canada, right, and his guide Robin Femy race to win 3rd place in the men's downhill, visually impaired event at the 2014 Winter Paralympic, Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. Marcoux earned his second gold medal of the World Para-Alpine Skiing Championships, teaming with guide Jack Leitch to win Thursday's super-G race in the men's visually impaired category.THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP/Dmitry Lovetsky

Mac Marcoux of Canada, right, and his guide Robin Femy race to win 3rd place in the men's downhill, visually impaired event at the 2014 Winter Paralympic, Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. Marcoux earned his second gold medal of the World Para-Alpine Skiing Championships, teaming with guide Jack Leitch to win Thursday's super-G race in the men's visually impaired category.THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP/Dmitry Lovetsky

5 min read

Greg Westlake heads to an unlikely sixth Paralympics, ready to give everything he has left

Mariam Kourabi

Greg Westlake of Canada attempts a shot at South Korea's goal during their para ice hockey semifinal match at the 2022 Winter Paralympics, Friday, March 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Greg Westlake of Canada attempts a shot at South Korea's goal during their para ice hockey semifinal match at the 2022 Winter Paralympics, Friday, March 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Greg Westlake of Canada attempts a shot at South Korea's goal during their para ice hockey semifinal match at the 2022 Winter Paralympics, Friday, March 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

5 min read

More stories from the Olympic and Paralympic Games

March 16, 2026

Secretary of State of Sport Adam van Koeverden rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Secretary of State of Sport Adam van Koeverden rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Van Koeverden to focus on grassroots development, accessibility as sports funding questions persist

3 min read

March 15, 2026

As a six-time Paralympian, Canada's Greg Westlake knows the challenges of travel well. While the Paralympics are sponsored by an airline and heavily coordinated, challenges often arise in traveling to non-Paralympic tournaments.

As a six-time Paralympian, Canada's Greg Westlake knows the challenges of travel well. While the Paralympics are sponsored by an airline and heavily coordinated, challenges often arise in traveling to non-Paralympic tournaments.

Paralympic travel gives athletes a glimpse into a more accessible world

4 min read

March 13, 2026

Natalie Wilkie wins gold in the Individual Biathlon in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Val di Fiemme, Italy on Sunday March 8, 2026. //Natalie Wilkie remporte l’or à l’épreuve individuelle de 12,5 km de biathlon des Jeux paralympiques d’hiver de 2026 à Val di Fiemme, en Italie, le 8 mars 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE,

Natalie Wilkie wins gold in the Individual Biathlon in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Val di Fiemme, Italy on Sunday March 8, 2026. //Natalie Wilkie remporte l’or à l’épreuve individuelle de 12,5 km de biathlon des Jeux paralympiques d’hiver de 2026 à Val di Fiemme, en Italie, le 8 mars 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE,

Canada’s Wilkie wins biathlon gold, wheelchair curling and Para hockey teams win

3 min read

March 13, 2026

Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics - Para Biathlon - Women's Sprint Pursuit Standing - Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Lago, Italy - March 13, 2026. Gold medallist Natalie Wilkie of Canada celebrates with her national flag after the final REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics - Para Biathlon - Women's Sprint Pursuit Standing - Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Lago, Italy - March 13, 2026. Gold medallist Natalie Wilkie of Canada celebrates with her national flag after the final REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Natalie Wilkie earns second gold and fourth medal of Paralympics with biathlon win

3 min read

March 10, 2026

Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics - Para Cross-Country Skiing - Women's Sprint Classic Standing Victory Ceremony - Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Lago, Italy - March 10, 2026. Bronze medalist Natalie Wilkie of Canada celebrates on the podium REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics - Para Cross-Country Skiing - Women's Sprint Classic Standing Victory Ceremony - Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, Lago, Italy - March 10, 2026. Bronze medalist Natalie Wilkie of Canada celebrates on the podium REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Natalie Wilkie wins bronze in cross-country sprint at Paralympics

3 min read

March 8, 2026

Natalie Wilkie claims silver in the sprint biathlon at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Val di Fiemme, Italy on March 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE, Michael P. Hall

Natalie Wilkie claims silver in the sprint biathlon at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Val di Fiemme, Italy on March 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE, Michael P. Hall

Natalie Wilkie wins Canada’s first Paralympic gold medal in Milan

1 min read

March 7, 2026

Kurt Oatway, Kalle Eriksson and Sierra Smith pose with their medals at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Cortina, Italy on Saturday.

Kurt Oatway, Kalle Eriksson and Sierra Smith pose with their medals at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Cortina, Italy on Saturday.

Eriksson, Oatway, Wilkie win Canada’s first medals of Paralympic Games

2 min read

March 6, 2026

Raphaelle Tousignant, the first woman to play for Canada's national para hockey team, in action against South Korea at the world championships in Moose Jaw, Sask., Monday, May 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Hockey Canada Images - Erica Perreaux (Mandatory Credit)

Raphaelle Tousignant, the first woman to play for Canada's national para hockey team, in action against South Korea at the world championships in Moose Jaw, Sask., Monday, May 29, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Hockey Canada Images - Erica Perreaux (Mandatory Credit)

Sledge hockey’s mixed-gender status at Paralympics limits access for women

5 min read

March 6, 2026

Athletes from Russia enter during the opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, in Verona, Italy, Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Athletes from Russia enter during the opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, in Verona, Italy, Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Russian flag returns in Milan as Winter Paralympics officially open

3 min read

March 6, 2026

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics - Opening Ceremony - San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy - February 06, 2026. Athletes of Ukraine during the opening ceremony REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics - Opening Ceremony - San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy - February 06, 2026. Athletes of Ukraine during the opening ceremony REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

Paralympic opening ceremony in Verona to present message of unity amid world’s fractures

3 min read

March 5, 2026

Mac Marcoux of Canada, right, and his guide Robin Femy race to win 3rd place in the men's downhill, visually impaired event at the 2014 Winter Paralympic, Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. Marcoux earned his second gold medal of the World Para-Alpine Skiing Championships, teaming with guide Jack Leitch to win Thursday's super-G race in the men's visually impaired category.THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP/Dmitry Lovetsky

Mac Marcoux of Canada, right, and his guide Robin Femy race to win 3rd place in the men's downhill, visually impaired event at the 2014 Winter Paralympic, Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. Marcoux earned his second gold medal of the World Para-Alpine Skiing Championships, teaming with guide Jack Leitch to win Thursday's super-G race in the men's visually impaired category.THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP/Dmitry Lovetsky

Para skiers, guides, rely on a powerful connection for Paralympic success

5 min read

March 5, 2026

Greg Westlake of Canada attempts a shot at South Korea's goal during their para ice hockey semifinal match at the 2022 Winter Paralympics, Friday, March 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Greg Westlake of Canada attempts a shot at South Korea's goal during their para ice hockey semifinal match at the 2022 Winter Paralympics, Friday, March 11, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Greg Westlake heads to an unlikely sixth Paralympics, ready to give everything he has left

5 min read

March 4, 2026

The Paralympics start Friday. Here’s what Canadians can expect

5 min read

March 3, 2026

Brian Rowland seen here competing for Team Canada at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, says that he learned valuable lessons in his Games debut that can help him this year in the mountains of Cortina.

Brian Rowland seen here competing for Team Canada at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, says that he learned valuable lessons in his Games debut that can help him this year in the mountains of Cortina.

Rowland heads to his second Paralympic Games with his eyes on the podium

4 min read

March 3, 2026

Members of the United States Olympic men’s hockey team, including Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (front) received criticism for attending the State of the Union address in Washington.

Members of the United States Olympic men’s hockey team, including Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (front) received criticism for attending the State of the Union address in Washington.

U.S. ambassador to Canada requests apology for Globe and Mail column

4 min read

March 2, 2026

Connor McDavid's expression matched that of many Canadians across the country last Sunday, after the Americans won men's hockey gold at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Connor McDavid's expression matched that of many Canadians across the country last Sunday, after the Americans won men's hockey gold at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

opinion

Selective sports TV ratings tell an incomplete story

Simon Houpt

5 min read

March 1, 2026

Canadian Paralympic athletes paraded through the boarding gates of Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport this past Thursday as they prepared to board their flight to the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games.

Canadian Paralympic athletes paraded through the boarding gates of Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport this past Thursday as they prepared to board their flight to the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games.

The Winter Paralympics celebrate their 50th anniversary in Milan Cortina

4 min read

February 27, 2026

Wilkie celebrates a gold medal win in the women's sprint free technique standing final at the 2022 Winter Paralympics.

Wilkie celebrates a gold medal win in the women's sprint free technique standing final at the 2022 Winter Paralympics.

Suddenly a flag-bearing Paralympic veteran, Wilkie embraces her third trip to Games

4 min read

February 27, 2026

Canadaâs Para ice hockey captain Tyler McGregor of Forest, Ont., and Para nordic skiing star Natalie Wilkie of Salmon Arm, B.C., are shown in an undated handout image. The two athletes have been selected as Canada's opening ceremony flag bearers for the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee announced Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Canadian Paralympic Committee (Mandatory Credit)

Canadaâs Para ice hockey captain Tyler McGregor of Forest, Ont., and Para nordic skiing star Natalie Wilkie of Salmon Arm, B.C., are shown in an undated handout image. The two athletes have been selected as Canada's opening ceremony flag bearers for the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee announced Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Canadian Paralympic Committee (Mandatory Credit)

Natalie Wilkie, Tyler McGregor to be Canada’s flag-bearers at Winter Paralympics

4 min read

February 26, 2026

United States captain Hilary Knight (21) celebrates after scoring her side's opening goal during the women's hockey gold medal game against Canada at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics last week.

United States captain Hilary Knight (21) celebrates after scoring her side's opening goal during the women's hockey gold medal game against Canada at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics last week.

U.S. women’s hockey team to celebrate gold medal victory in July with Flavor Flav

3 min read