2026 Winter Paralympics Set for Milano-Cortina
The 2026 Winter Paralympics are scheduled to take place in Milano-Cortina, Italy, from March 6 to March 15, 2026. This edition of the games will feature a record participation of 612 athletes from 56 national Paralympic committees, showcasing a total of 79 events across six different sports.
Among the athletes, Arly Velásquez Peñaloza stands out as the only representative from Mexico. Velásquez, who has been involved in winter sports for 17 years, aims to secure Mexico’s first medal in the Winter Paralympics. He has previously participated in four Winter Paralympics since 2010, making his journey a significant one for the Mexican delegation.
Velásquez has faced considerable financial challenges throughout his sports career, with training costs reaching up to 3 million pesos for a season and an estimated 670,000 dollars required for the entire Paralympic cycle. He has expressed the importance of financial support in achieving success in sports, stating, “Estructuralmente siento que depende mucho el financiamiento y desarrollo personal de tu deporte.”
The opening ceremony will be held at the Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding a historic backdrop to the event. Velásquez’s participation is not only a personal milestone but also a representation of Mexico’s growing presence in winter sports, which began with the country’s first participation in the Winter Paralympics in 2006.
In addition to Velásquez, another athlete, René De Silvestro, has expressed excitement about the upcoming games. He noted, “It’s a really big boost for me because there will be family and friends watching,” highlighting the emotional significance of the event for athletes and their supporters.
Historically, the Mexican Winter Paralympic team has had only two athletes represent the country: Velásquez and Armando Ruiz. This limited representation underscores the challenges faced by athletes in winter sports, particularly in a country where such sports are not widely practiced.
As the games approach, observers are keen to see how Velásquez will perform and whether he can achieve his goal of winning a medal. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final composition of the Mexican delegation and any additional support that may be provided to athletes as the event draws nearer.