Milan, Italy - The world's oldest Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona, is set to be transformed into a fully accessible venue ahead of the Winter Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina. The €20 million renovation project includes the installation of a lift and toilets, ensuring that athletes with disabilities will have equal access to the historic site.
According to Milano-Cortina 2026 chief executive Andrea Varnier, the conversion has been a long-held goal, with the venue now being "the symbol of our Paralympic Games". The project's completion is seen as a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports events. However, some traditionalists have expressed concerns about the addition of modern facilities, labeling it as an act of "blasphemy".
Varnier acknowledges that the project's success will be measured by its impact on the growth of winter para-sports, which he admits is a "challenging" environment to operate in. To address this, the Milano-Cortina 2026 organization has pledged to prioritize accessibility and sustainability in all aspects of the Games.
A new initiative aimed at reducing the environmental impact of snowmaking technology will also be implemented during the Winter Paralympics. The system uses only water, eliminating the need for chemicals, ensuring that the artificial snow is as environmentally friendly as possible.
The Winter Paralympic Games, which feature athletes from 50 countries competing in six para-events, are expected to showcase a range of exciting sports and events. Despite concerns about ticket sales, Varnier remains confident about the event's success, citing the organization's experience with previous Games.
For Varnier, the Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympic Games represent more than just a sporting event – they embody the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility that underpins the Paralympic movement. As he puts it, "We hope to give another small brick in making this an even larger and more widespread movement for everyone."
According to Milano-Cortina 2026 chief executive Andrea Varnier, the conversion has been a long-held goal, with the venue now being "the symbol of our Paralympic Games". The project's completion is seen as a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports events. However, some traditionalists have expressed concerns about the addition of modern facilities, labeling it as an act of "blasphemy".
Varnier acknowledges that the project's success will be measured by its impact on the growth of winter para-sports, which he admits is a "challenging" environment to operate in. To address this, the Milano-Cortina 2026 organization has pledged to prioritize accessibility and sustainability in all aspects of the Games.
A new initiative aimed at reducing the environmental impact of snowmaking technology will also be implemented during the Winter Paralympics. The system uses only water, eliminating the need for chemicals, ensuring that the artificial snow is as environmentally friendly as possible.
The Winter Paralympic Games, which feature athletes from 50 countries competing in six para-events, are expected to showcase a range of exciting sports and events. Despite concerns about ticket sales, Varnier remains confident about the event's success, citing the organization's experience with previous Games.
For Varnier, the Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympic Games represent more than just a sporting event – they embody the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility that underpins the Paralympic movement. As he puts it, "We hope to give another small brick in making this an even larger and more widespread movement for everyone."
so its finally happening - arena di verona gets a major facelift to make it para-friendly 
the €20 million investment is worth it imo, especially with all the snowmaking tech being eco-unfriendly 
they should do more tho! 
maybe some sustainable fashion options for the spectators too 
The fact that they're prioritizing sustainability with that new snowmaking system is also a big win 
I'm so down with this move! 
The Arena di Verona deserves a modern makeover 
. It's about inclusivity & equality, you know? 
Every athlete, regardless of ability, should have equal access to awesome events 
. I'm loving the eco-friendly snowmaking tech too 
- we gotta reduce our carbon footprint 
. Those "traditionalists" just need to chill and accept progress 
- its kinda cool that they're trying to reduce the eco impact tho. I mean, I'm all for accessibility and it sounds like the arena di verona is gonna be lit 
the fact that they're prioritizing accessibility and sustainability for the para-sports is actually pretty awesome though lets hope it doesnt mess with the whole historic vibe of the place 
. I'm also intrigued by the eco-friendly snowmaking tech 
The fact that they're prioritizing sustainability is a major win in my book 
!
that's actually pretty cool! who needs chemicals when u can use water lol. btw varnier sounds like a total saint 4 makin it all happen 
.
!
. I mean, it's a historic site and all, but sports should be for everybuddy, you know? The fact that they're also workin' on sustainability is pretty cool too - who doesn't wanna save the planet while havin' fun in the snow 
to make it fully accessible for athletes with disabilities - finally! 
anyway, the Milano-Cortina 2026 org is prioritizing accessibility and sustainability which is awesome 
️ and they're also trying to reduce their environmental impact with a new snowmaking system that uses only water 
that's so cool! 
Varnier seems like a really cool boss who truly cares about making a difference. I'm so hyped for the Winter Paralympic Games and can't wait to see all the amazing sports and events