Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games wrap up with closing ceremony

The UNESCO world heritage city of Verona in northern Italy was the stage for the closing ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on Sunday.

The ceremony kicked off at the Roman amphitheater Verona Arena at 8:30 p.m. local time.

Athletes and volunteers carrying the flags of participating countries and territories marched into the arena. They included Japanese figure skater Sakamoto Kaori, who won two silver medals, and Japanese speed skater Morishige Wataru.

It was followed by a parade of athletes, including around 50 members of the Japanese team waving the flags of both Japan and Italy.

The closing ceremony, entitled "Beauty in Action," featured shows inspired by opera, as well as song and dance performances.

The Olympic flag was handed over to representatives from French regions which will host the French Alps 2030 Olympic Winter Games.

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said: "This is the true Olympic spirit: competing, embracing, lifting each other up, whatever the result. You showed us what excellence, respect, and friendship look like."

The twin Olympic flames in co-host cities Milan and Cortina were extinguished, signaling the end of the 17-day world winter sports event.

The Paralympic Winter Games are scheduled to begin on March 6.

xinhua