2026 Winter Olympics & Paralympics: Flame Lighting & Preparations

Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, will once again play host to a momentous occasion as the Paralympic Flame for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina is lit on February 24th. The ceremony, a symbolic start to a 2,000-kilometer journey across Italy, will feature a unique pairing of athletic representation from Great Britain and the host nation.

The honor of creating the Flame will be shared by Millie Knight, a four-time Paralympic medalist in Para alpine skiing representing Great Britain, and Andrea Macri, captain of Italy’s Para ice hockey team, who is preparing for his fifth Paralympic Games. This collaborative lighting signifies the international spirit and unity at the heart of the Paralympic Games.

The lighting ceremony, expected to draw around 400 guests, is supported by Worldwide Paralympic Partner Allianz. It marks a return to Stoke Mandeville, a location of profound historical significance. The site served as the foundation for the Paralympic Games, born from the rehabilitation efforts for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries. The Paris 2024 Olympic Flame was also created at Stoke Mandeville two years prior, further cementing its role as a crucial location in the world of sport.

Following the lighting, the Paralympic Flame will embark on a relay across Italy, carried by 501 torchbearers. This journey will culminate in a grand arrival at the Arena di Verona on March 6th, coinciding with the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The relay is designed to build excitement and awareness for the Games throughout Italy, connecting communities and celebrating the achievements of Para athletes.

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons expressed excitement about returning to Stoke Mandeville, calling it “a place of great meaning and significance for the Paralympic Movement.” He will be in attendance alongside ParalympicsGB Chair Dan Brooke and Countess Elizabeth Howe, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, representing WheelPower, an organization deeply rooted in the history of the Paralympic Movement.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Games represent a significant moment for the Paralympic Winter Games. The event promises to showcase the incredible athleticism and determination of Para athletes from around the globe. The choice of Stoke Mandeville as the starting point for the Flame’s journey underscores the Games’ commitment to honoring its origins and celebrating the spirit of resilience, and inclusivity.

The creation of the Paralympic Flame is more than a ceremonial act; it’s a powerful symbol of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of sport. The pairing of Knight and Macri embodies the collaborative spirit of the Games, bringing together athletes from different nations to ignite a shared passion for competition and inspire audiences worldwide.

The February 24th ceremony will not only light the Flame but also reignite the anticipation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, promising a spectacle of athletic achievement and a celebration of the human spirit. The 2,000-kilometer relay will serve as a powerful reminder of the values that underpin the Paralympic Movement, reaching communities across Italy and building momentum for the Games.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are poised to build on the legacy of previous Games, continuing to raise the profile of Para sport and challenge perceptions of what athletes with disabilities can achieve. The lighting of the Flame at Stoke Mandeville is a crucial first step in that journey, connecting the Games to its historical roots and setting the stage for a truly inspiring event.