OMEGA Celebrates “One Year To Go” Until the Paralympic Winter Games
OMEGA unveils a Countdown Clock in Cortina, marking one year until the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games begin.
As the Official Timekeeper of Milano Cortina 2026, OMEGA has unveiled a special Countdown Clock in Cortina to mark the "One Year to Go" milestone for the Paralympic Winter Games, which commence on 6th March 2026.
Credit: OMEGA
The installation, positioned in Piazza Angelo Dibona at the heart of the renowned Italian resort, counts down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Featuring four continuous timers in both Italian and English, the structure is shaped like the emblem of Milano Cortina 2026 and will remain in place throughout the next 12 months to heighten anticipation.
Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, attended the official unveiling of the Countdown Clock, joined by Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee; Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing; Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026; and Luca Pancalli, Vice President of Milano Cortina 2026 and President of the Comitato Paralimpico Italiano.
Raynald Aeschlimann stated, “For OMEGA, Cortina is a place of important sporting heritage. We were here in 1956 to time the Olympic Winter Games, and so it feels very exciting to be coming back, exactly 70 years later, to measure these Olympic and Paralympic events. I can’t wait to see the incredible things that the athletes will accomplish.”
Andrew Parsons remarked, “For everyone involved in Milano Cortina 2026, this one-year countdown is a thrilling moment. There’s a real sense of energy around these Paralympic Winter Games and it’s an honour to have such an enthusiastic partner in OMEGA. The brand recognises the values of the Paralympic movement and brings so much experience and expertise to its role. We can’t wait to share the magic of sport when the events begin next year.”
Discussing the brand’s role as Official Timekeeper, Alain Zobrist noted, “For the Paralympic Winter Games, OMEGA relies on all of the same equipment as the Olympic Winter Games, but with several special additions for certain events. It’s therefore a role that requires a lot of expertise and knowledge. I’m pleased to say that all of our timekeepers are looking forward to the moment, and to recording each and every second of action.”
Andrea Varnier added, “For the first time in history, the Games have the name of two cities: Milano Cortina 2026. After the countdown to the Olympics in Milan started with OMEGA, now it's Cortina's turn, for an event that celebrates the -1 to the Paralympics. We are counting the days, hours, and minutes that separate us from the great event that will bring the Games back to the Dolomites.”
Luca Pancalli commented, “The Paralympic Games is an inspiring occasion for all involved. For every athlete and spectator coming to Milano Cortina 2026, we can promise this will be a moment to remember.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 6th to 15th March 2026, welcoming up to 650 athletes from 50 National Paralympic Committees who will compete across 79 medal events in six sports.
OMEGA has served as the Official Timekeeper of the Paralympic Games since Albertville 1992, continuing its legacy from the Olympic Games, a role the brand has held since 1932. Over the years, OMEGA has pioneered significant advancements in sports timekeeping technology, ensuring precision in every recorded performance. Athletes, judges, and spectators alike rely on OMEGA’s expertise to ensure the seamless execution of each event.
