Momentum is building for the Australian Paralympic Team in Italy and, back home, Australians are rallying behind them in extraordinary numbers.
Just two days into the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, Australia celebrated its first medal when team flag bearer Ben Tudhope battled through a dislocated shoulder to claim a courageous silver in the snowboard cross.
As he stepped onto the podium in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tudhope’s trademark dazzling smile captured the pride, relief and insatiable joy of representing Australia on the world stage.
A few days later, the emotion of the Games surfaced again when Paralympic legend Michael Milton fought back tears after completing a daunting super-G run – a return to the Paralympic start gate more than 20 years in the making. For Milton, Australia’s most decorated Winter Paralympian, simply standing at the top of one of the world’s toughest courses was a triumph in itself.
Moments like these – Tudhope’s grit and Milton’s determination – have captured the heart and resolve of the Australian team in Italy and set the tone for an exhilarating Games.
But behind every Paralympic moment lie challenges that often go unseen.
For many athletes with disability, the greatest obstacle is not the mountain, the snow or the course – it is the financial cost of specialised equipment, coaching, travel and medical support required just to reach the start line.
This is where Australians at home are turning support into action through the Green & Gold Seats campaign. In just two weeks, nearly 10,000 Green & Gold Seats have been purchased, propelling the campaign past its original $250,000 fundraising target in a remarkable show of national support – and with the Games far from over, the excitement and momentum are only growing.
Thanks to this overwhelming support from Australians, the Green & Gold Seats campaign is now setting its sights even higher, unveiling a new stretch goal of $350,000 to further build on the incredible wave of support behind our Winter Paralympians.
Every seat purchased directly helps strengthen Australia’s Para sport system – from coaching and equipment to training pathways – making medal moments like Tudhope’s possible and supporting the next generation of Australian Paralympians.
With more races, runs and inspirational moments still to come, there has never been a better time to grab a Green and Gold virtual seat and show our Winter Paralympians that the whole sunburnt nation is right behind them.
If you’ve already purchased a Green & Gold Seat – thank you. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to join thousands of Australians cheering on the team during what promises to be a thrilling final week of the Games.
Find out more: ‘Green And Gold Seats’ Gives Aussies Chance To Join MICO Campaign | Paralympics Australia
By Ashley Gillespie, Paralympics Australia.
Published 11 March, 2026.
"*" indicates required fields
