The 2026 Winter Paralympics began Friday in Milan-Cortina, Italy, with competition scheduled across six different sports at three venues through March 15. The Games follow directly after the Winter Olympics in the same Italian locations.

The opening ceremony was overshadowed by a boycott led by Ukraine protesting the presence of Russian competitors in the event. The boycott has dampened the atmosphere surrounding the ceremonial launch of the Paralympics.

Competition began immediately, with Great Britain's wheelchair curling team of Jo Butterfield and Jason Kean losing their opening match 10-7 to Estonia. The wheelchair curling events are among the six Paralympic sports being contested during the nine-day competition.

Team USA enters the Games seeking to improve on their fifth-place finish in the medal table at the 2022 Paralympics. The American delegation includes several notable athletes, including a 19-year-old first-time Paralympian who has been recognized for skiing achievements since elementary school and reached World Cup podiums in downhill races in February.

The Paralympics feature athletes competing across multiple disciplines at venues in northern Italy. The event represents the culmination of years of training for Paralympic athletes from around the world, despite the diplomatic tensions affecting the opening proceedings.