Andrew Parsons inaugurates another Paralympic Games in a world where “the situation has not improved”

The Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo 2026 Paralympic Winter Games have been officially opened this Friday with a two-hour ceremony at the Verona Arena, which has included live connections with the two main venues and with the Tesero sub-venue, and with the skier Audrey Pascual acting as Spanish flag bearer.

Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), described Italy “as a second home” to him and the Opening Ceremony. “It’s good to be here again. Tonight I want to reflect on something profound, how the efforts of a few can shape the destiny of many. How small numbers, small actions and small moments can change the course of history,” he began his speech.

“Almost 80 years ago, Sir Ludwig Guttmann began a study at the University of Turin. His pioneering belief, that sport could restore hope, rebuild lives and unlock human potential, began at Stoke Mandeville. From humble beginnings to a global platform showcasing human endeavor and achievement, today the Paralympic Games are the most transformative sporting event on the planet.”

“When the first Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960, thanks to the work of Sir Guttmann and Antonio Maglio, athletes competed not for applause or headlines, but to demonstrate a simple and powerful truth: that human potential is infinite. Today, Italy is once again at the heart of Paralympic history,” he highlighted.

“These Paralympic Winter Games will honor our past, celebrate our present and shape a more inclusive future. And we need that future now more than ever. Four years ago I said I was horrified by what was happening in the world. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved. In a world where some countries are better known by the name of their leaders, I prefer to know them by the name of their athletes,” Parsons added without mentioning anyone in particular.

“Sport offers the world the possibility of another path forward, another perspective. Here in Milan-Cortina 2026, these Paralympic Games offer something truly different. Here differences are not reasons for separation, but sources of strength. Here nations come together as neighbors and athletes compete with ferocity and fairness, united in mutual respect and by the rules of sport,” said the ICC president.

“The Paralympic Village is a living model of what society can and should be free of politics, it is a place where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs and everyone is valued. A community without barriers where potential is realized and opportunities are open to all,” he said.

He went on to note that the Paralympians “are ready to redefine possibilities, push the boundaries of human ability and show what humans can achieve when they are respected and given the opportunity to succeed.” “In the coming days, their record number of athletes and nations will show the best of them,” he added.

“PARALYMPIC PERFORMANCES WILL TRANSFORM ATTITUDES AND INSPIRE”

“Through their exceptional sporting performances, they will remind the world that disability is not in itself a limitation, but rather an incredible dimension of human diversity. Paralympic performances will transform attitudes and inspire people around the world, those who are at the venues or watching from home, those who dream of their own future and those who have not yet discovered the power of sport,” he said.

“Through the water, snow and blizzard across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val di Fiemme, the Games will shine not only for their beauty, but also for their purpose and legacy. Change begins with sport, and these Games are already making Italy more welcoming and accessible for all. Thank you for your commitment,” he told fans.

“You honor the pioneers who preceded you. You will inspire future generations. You show us that limits are illusions, that progress is possible and that the best stories of humanity are yet to be told. And tonight, in this historic setting, a new path begins. Your actions can and will mark the destiny of many people,” concluded Parsons before the Olympic Games. they opened

Sergio Mattarella, president of the Italian Republic, complied with the protocol of declaring these Games inaugurated. Afterwards, the Milanese cauldron in the Arco della Pace and the Cortina cauldron in Piazza Angelo Dibona were lit, immediately giving way to Michaela Benthaus, the first person in a wheelchair to travel to space.

The very famous song ‘Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volare)’, created by Domenico Modugno and performed this time by many artists on the main stage of the amphitheater, was the culmination of the two hours of show, music and lights with a parade included by almost all participating delegations, but with an institutional boycott from 12 countries.