Evolution of the Winter Paralympic Games

Milano-Cortina celebrates the 50th anniversary edition of the Winter Paralympics,
showcasing remarkable feats of endurance and strength from athletes
with varying forms
of disability

Key:
1976
2026

Oksana
Masters
USA
Competing
in fourth
edition, aiming
to add to haul
of 14 medals

Countries
16
50 expected
Örnsköldsvik
in Sweden hosted
first Winter Paralympics,
featuring just two sports –
para alpine skiing and
para cross-country skiing

Athletes
198
665
expected
(increase
from 558 at
Beijing 2022)

Sports
2
6
Para Alpine
Skiing

Para
Biathlon

Para Cross-
Country Skiing

Para Ice
Hockey

Para
Snowboard

Wheelchair
Curling

Medal events
53
79

Eligible impairments
2 (Amputee,
visually impaired)
10
Physical: Eight impairments –
biomechanical in nature – that
cause varying degrees of
activity limitations
Vision: Reduced or no vision
Intellectual: Restrictions to
functioning affecting conceptual,
social and practical skills
required for everyday life

Global participation in Winter Paralympic Games
Number of athletes
Number of countries
198
665


76
80
84
88
92
94
98
02
06
10
14
18
22
26

Milano Cortina 2026 
March 6-15
Opening ceremony
takes place at historic
Verona Arena


Sources: International Paralympic Committee, BBC
Picture: Getty Images
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