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Apply Now as a Torchbearer for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

Gangwon 2024, Torch in Korea

Berchtesgaden (FIL/04 Mrz 2025) The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are approaching, and the search for torchbearers has begun! Sports enthusiasts, community heroes, and inspiring individuals now have the opportunity to apply as torchbearers for this unique event. Anyone born before December 5, 2011, can submit their application and become part of this historic relay.

Applicants are invited to share their personal stories and explain why they wish to carry the Olympic or Paralympic flame. The focus is on the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements: excellence, friendship, respect, courage, and inspiration. A total of 10,001 torchbearers will accompany the Olympic Torch Relay, while 501 participants are sought for the Paralympic Torch Relay.

Facts and Figures about the Olympic Torch Relay:

  • 10,001 torchbearers will carry the flame on its 63-day, 12,000-kilometer journey.
  • The route will pass through all Italian regions and 110 provinces.
  • The journey begins with the lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia on November 26, 2025.
  • On December 4, 2025, the flame will arrive in Rome and will begin its journey through Italy two days later.
  • On January 26, 2026, it will return to Cortina d'Ampezzo and will reach San Siro Stadium in Milan on February 6, 2026, for the Opening Ceremony.
  • Official partners of the Olympic Torch Relay: Coca-Cola and Eni.
  • Coca-Cola has supported the Olympic Torch Relay for more than three decades and continues to promote Olympic values.

Facts and Figures about the Paralympic Torch Relay:

  • 501 torchbearers will carry the flame after its lighting in Stoke Mandeville (United Kingdom), the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.
  • The flame will travel 2,000 kilometers in eleven days.
  • From February 24 to March 2, five Flame Festivals will take place in Milan, Turin, Bolzano, Trento, and Trieste.
  • On March 3, the flames will be united into one in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
  • From March 4, the flame will travel through Venice and Padua before arriving at the Arena di Verona on March 6 for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.
  • Official Presenting Partner: Allianz.

Interested individuals can apply now and be part of this historic journey. Further information and the application platform can be found here: Milano Cortina 2026 opens torchbearer application process