The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina will kick off in just 100 days, and Canadian viewers are in for a treat with comprehensive coverage. CBC/Radio-Canada, known as Canada’s Paralympic Network, has revealed plans for around-the-clock broadcasting, offering over 120 hours of original content and an additional 800 hours of live streaming across various platforms.
Audiences can catch the action in English on CBC and the free streaming service CBC Gem, as well as in French on ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV. The upcoming Games in Northern Italy, scheduled from March 6 to March 15, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics, a significant milestone for the movement.
Approximately 600 athletes from across the globe will participate in 79 events spanning six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. The Canadian athletes set to represent the nation will be announced between November and February.
CBC/Radio-Canada’s President and CEO, Marie-Philippe Bouchard, expressed excitement about the extended coverage of the Paralympics on TV and digital platforms, emphasizing the inclusive features such as closed captioning, described video, and American Sign Language (ASL) to ensure all Canadians can support the Paralympians.
For the duration of the Games, three daily live shows will be available on CBC and CBC Gem, hosted by various personalities. Special contributors to the broadcast team include Paralympic medalists Marissa Papaconstantinou and Nathan Clement. Additionally, expert commentators and analysts will provide insights for different sports events.
CBC’s daytime and primetime television broadcasts will include described video for enhanced accessibility. The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s CEO, Karen O’Neill, commended CBC/Radio-Canada for their dedication to showcasing Paralympic stories and encouraged Canadians to engage and cheer for the athletes.
Radio-Canada’s coverage will feature daily shows and special programs, offering a total of 41.5 hours on television. The network has assembled experienced commentators and analysts for various sports disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience for the audience.
Digital coverage will also be robust, with over 800 hours of live streaming on CBC Gem and ICI TOU.TV. The websites for Milano Cortina 2026 will provide detailed event schedules, results, athlete profiles, and more. Audiences can also follow exclusive digital series on CBC Sports’ social media platforms for engaging content.
Furthermore, a promotional campaign titled “Where It Begins” by the Canadian Olympic Committee and CBC/Radio-Canada will highlight Para athletes and their inspiring journeys. The aim is to showcase these athletes both on and off the field of play, capturing their dedication and achievements.
