DWA Celebrates Strong Connection to Australian Team as Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games Begin
DWA Celebrates Strong Connection to Australian Team as Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games Begin
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games begin today, Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) is celebrating the announcement of the Australian team and the strong connection many athletes have to the DWA community.
Paralympics Australia recently confirmed a team of 14 athletes and two sighted guides, competing across Para alpine skiing, Para snowboard, Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing.
Many of the athletes selected have been involved with DWA programs, camps or resort services during their journey in adaptive snow sport, highlighting the role grassroots programs and volunteers play in supporting athletes from their first experience on snow through to the international stage.
Athletes with connections to DWA include Josh Hanlon, Michael Milton, Liana France, Georgia Gunew, Matt Brumby, Dave Miln, Taryn Dickens, Aaron McCarthy, Sean Pollard, Ben Tudhope and Amanda Reid, with several having participated in DWA programs over a number of years.
DWA CEO Rick Hastie said the start of the Games was an exciting moment for the entire adaptive snow sport community.
“The Paralympic Winter Games are always a special moment for our community,” Hastie said.
“Many athletes begin their journey with organisations like DWA — trying snow sports for the first time, building confidence, and discovering what’s possible. Seeing so many athletes with a connection to DWA now representing Australia on the world stage is something our volunteers, staff and members can all be proud of.”
The Australian team includes several historic milestones.
Six-time Paralympian Michael Milton will make a remarkable return to the Winter Paralympics after nearly two decades away from the Games, while Liana France, aged just 16, will become Australia’s youngest female Winter Paralympian.
Para snowboarder Sean Pollard, who has long been part of the DWA community, will captain the Australian team in Milano Cortina.
The Games will also mark Australia’s return to Para Nordic skiing disciplines for the first time in two decades, with athletes including Matt Brumby, Dave Miln and Taryn Dickens competing in Para biathlon and cross-country skiing.
While the Paralympics showcase elite sport, they also remind us how important it is that people with disability have the opportunity to access the mountains and experience snow sports in the first place.
Through DWA’s programs across Australian resorts, supported by an incredible network of volunteers, we help hundreds of people with disability experience the snow each year. For some it’s about recreation and community, and for a few it can become the start of a Paralympic journey.
Everyone at Disabled Wintersport Australia wishes the Australian Paralympic Team the very best of luck in Milano Cortina. Our volunteers, members and supporters across the country will be cheering the team on throughout the Games.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games run from 6–15 March, with coverage broadcast in Australia across Channel 9, 9Now and Stan Sport.
For more information about how to get involved including becoming a member, donating and volunteering please visit https://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/
Image courtesy of Paralympics Australia.