Paralympic torch lit at Stoke Mandeville Stadium: a ceremony summary

After being lit by Paralympians Millie Knight and Andrea Macri, the torch will now begin its 2000 kilometer relay route all the way to Verona, Italy.

This morning's (February 24th) ceremony sent the spirit of the Paralympics on its way to Italy ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, celebrating what the games can mean for disabled athletes and disabled people worldwide and the role of Stoke Mandeville in Paralympic history.

The event was hosted by Dame Sarah Storey - Britain's most decorated Paralympian - who highlighted that 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the first ever Paralympic Winter Games in 1976. She also recognised the legacy of Stoke Mandeville in the games and in particular Ludwig Guttman, who created the Stoke Mandeville Games which evolved into the Paralympics, paying special thanks to his family who were in attendance.

Dame Sarah also lead a moment of silence for CEO of World Abilitysport Charmaine Hooper who passed suddenly earlier this month, with her speech celebrating Charmaine's service to the Paralympic movement, a legacy which will live on 'in every athlete, in every competition and in every flame that continues to burn brightly in the spirit of inclusion and possibility'. 

The rest of the ceremony featured inspiring speeches delivered by Andrew Parsons (President of the International Paralympic Committee), Giovanni Malagò (Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee President) via video link, Dan Brooke (ParalympicsGB Chair), Countess Elizabeth Howe (his majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire) and Eike Burgel who is the head of Olympic and Paralympic partnership at Allianz, who this year celebrate 20 years of partnership with the International Paralympic Committee.

Throughout the speeches delivered, Stoke Mandeville was heavily celebrated, hailed as 'a symbol of a modern civilisation' by Giovanni Malagò and as a continuing 'beacon of opportunity and inclusion, inspiring disabled people not only across the UK but around the world', by Countess Howe.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Paralympic Winter Games, a short film honouring the incredible history of the games was premiered, which will be shown officially at the opening ceremony in Verona, Italy on March 6th 2026. 

Retired British 4-time paralympic ski medalist, Millie Knight, and Italian Para ice hockey player, Andrea Macri, then concluded the ceremony by lighting the torch to begin its journey to Italy, where the flame will be flown tonight. 

• British 4-time paralympic ski medalist, Millie Knight chatted to Bucks Radio's Skye Gregory before she lit the Paralympic flame at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

• Back in 2009 GB Paralympian Terry Willett told Bucks TV how he lit the 1984 Paralympic flame, showing how much Health and Safety has come along let alone the Paralympic movement!

  2026 Paralympian Millie Knight, Lighting the flame for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games was horrified !!

• Dan Brooke, President of ParalympicsGB and Countess Howe, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, comparing notes after speaking at the Paralympic Fame Lighting Ceremony.

• Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, highlights the importance of visiting Stoke Mandeville every two years. 

Maria Laura Iascone 
Director of the Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies.