IPC STATEMENT MILANO CORTINA 2026 AND THE IMPACT OF THE CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is closely monitoring the situation of missile strikes in the Middle East and is continuing to collect, confirm and assess the available information to determine the impact on the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games and the wider Paralympic Movement.

We recognise this situation affects not just the National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) competing at the Games but also our wider membership. We think of the impact on people first and our thoughts are with those affected.

With regards to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, we are assessing the impact on Games operations, in particular on travel, while maintaining a clear focus on delivering the best Paralympic Winter Games and ensuring the event continues to serve as a platform to drive social inclusion for the world’s 1.3 billion persons with disabilities.

We are in close contact with all delegations competing at the Games as well as other stakeholders. Many of the teams are already in Europe attending training or holding camps, but the closure of airspace in the Middle East is impacting the arrival of some stakeholders. We would prefer not to comment on the status of individual delegations or stakeholders at this stage but can provide assurance that we are working diligently with Milano Cortina 2026 to find solutions for those affected.

The Paralympic Games are the pinnacle event of the Paralympic Movement, and our top priority is for Paralympians to take centre stage as we deliver safe, secure, and spectacular Games in Italy’s awe-inspiring venues.