Competition in Italy continues as the 2026 Winter Paralympics open next month, featuring 650-plus athletes and 79 gold medals across six sports. Patrick Halgren of the United States reacts after competing in the men's slalom, standing at the 2022 Winter Paralympics, Sunday, March 13, 2022.

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics will feature over 650 athletes competing for 79 gold medals in six sports.

Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan. It will be the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.

Ukraine officials will "not be present at the opening ceremony" or "take part in any other official Paralympic events" at next month's Winter Games following the inclusion of Russia and Belarus.

Ukraine said Wednesday that its officials will not attend the Winter Paralympics next month over the decision by organizers to allow a handful of Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their

After a roughly two-week break following the Olympic Closing Ceremony, the Paralympics will begin in Italy on March 6.

Ukrainian officials will not attend the Winter Paralympics following the news that Russian athletes will be allowed to compete under their country's flag at the games. Ukrainian officials will boycott the event due to the ongoing war with Russia.

Staging future Winter Games as early as January and the Paralympic Winter Games in February is a possibility because of warmer temperatures, the International Olympic Committee says

Noah Elliott survived cancer as a teen, lost his leg, and became a Paralympic snowboarding champion. Now he's targeting redemption at 2026.

The decision allowing Russia and Belarus to rejoin competition drew outrage in Ukraine and Europe following the disqualification last week of a Ukrainian skeleton athlete.

Poland, Ukraine and the EU have announced boycotts of the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony.