FIAMES, Italy — The Cortina d’Ampezzo Paralympic Village opened its doors to athletes and staff, showcasing a vibrant atmosphere ahead of the Games. Visitors are welcomed by the iconic Agitos, the red, blue, and green symbol of the Paralympics, much like the interlocking rings of the Olympics. This year’s village, which also served as the Olympic village just weeks earlier, offers stunning views of the Dolomites, providing a dramatic backdrop for athletes preparing for competition.
The Cortina cluster is one of three Paralympic athlete villages, alongside those in Milan and Val di Fiemme. On March 9, 2024, The Athletic had the opportunity to tour the village on a rare media access day. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the breathtaking mountain scenery as athletes, including first-time participant Austin McKenzie, expressed their excitement. “It’s fantastic,” said McKenzie, a British wheelchair curler. “What a spectacular place to be. It’s something else.”
Accessibility and Accommodations
The village features accessible pathways connecting various areas, with flags from countries such as Slovakia, China, and South Korea marking their respective accommodations. With a capacity of 1,400 beds, the temporary village consists of single-story mobile homes and event tents. After the Games conclude, these mobile units will be repurposed across campsites throughout Italy.
Each accommodation unit includes two separate rooms, approximately 80 square meters in size. One room is designed for accessibility, while the other is not. “The accessibility is great for something they created,” noted Team USA wheelchair curler Sean O’Neill. “You can tell they were really intentional, really deliberate, really thoughtful with accessibility.”
Inside the rooms, athletes will find two sturdy beds with comfortable mattresses, a significant improvement over the flimsy accommodations seen in previous Games.
Culinary Delights and Community Spaces
The village is home to various amenities, including a Caffe Vergnano 1882 pop-up truck, offering athletes a caffeine fix without needing to enter the dining hall. The dining area is open around the clock, serving a diverse menu of fruits, vegetables, meats, and a beloved pizza corner offering six different varieties. A dining representative revealed that nearly 400 slices of tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert, are consumed daily, a testament to the culinary delights available.
Adjacent to the dining hall is a crucial facility provided by Ottobock, which has offered technical repair services at the Paralympics since 1988. This service ensures that athletes have access to specialists in wheelchair technology, prosthetics, and orthotics. Following a mishap during his flight, McKenzie received two new wheels for his wheelchair and returned for brake adjustments, highlighting the efficiency of the service.
Athletes can access these repair services not only at the Cortina village but also at the other two Paralympic villages and mobile repair stations at competition venues. This resource not only fulfills practical needs but also fosters connections among staff and athletes.
Community spaces have also become a favorite among participants. Team USA’s Dan Rose emphasized the importance of these shared areas, particularly the Corona yurt, where athletes can enjoy nonalcoholic beverages and engage in conversations. “There’s a lot of athletes from other countries that you can strike up a conversation with, get to know people,” Rose stated.
The Cortina d’Ampezzo Paralympic Village is more than just a place for athletes to rest; it is a lively hub of activity, camaraderie, and support, setting the stage for an inspiring Games. As the opening ceremony approaches on March 10, 2024, the anticipation and excitement among the athletes continue to build in this picturesque setting.
