Dutch royal and government leaders cheer on Paralympic TeamNL in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Princess Margriet, Prime Minister Jetten, and Minister Sterk will attend the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games to support TeamNL’s eight athletes. Their visit highlights the Netherlands’ commitment to inclusive sports and recognition of para-athletes’ achievements.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Paralympic Winter Games 2026 |
| Location | Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy |
| Dutch Delegation | Princess Margriet, PM Jetten, Minister Sterk (Long-Term Care, Youth and Sport) |
| TeamNL Athletes | 8 athletes in para-alpine skiing and para-snowboarding |
| Chef de Mission | Esther Vergeer |
| Princess Margriet Visit | 11–14 March 2026 |
| PM Jetten Visit | 14 March 2026 (para-alpine skiing slalom, para-snowboarding slalom) |
| Minister Sterk Visit | 13–15 March 2026 (para-alpine skiing giant slalom, para-snowboarding slalom) |
| Key Meetings | Athletes, families, coaches, sports federations, disability sports organizations |
The Dutch government, through the Ministry of Long-Term Care, Youth and Sport, plays a key role in promoting inclusive sports and supporting athletes with disabilities. Minister Sterk’s involvement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering opportunities for para-athletes and strengthening international sports collaborations.
No ☕ no Openrijk
A lot of hard work happens behind the scenes. Good coffee is more than welcome :)
Read the full translated article below
Princess Margriet, Prime Minister Jetten and Minister Sterk visit the Paralympic Winter Games
Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Jetten and Minister Sterk of Long-Term Care, Youth and Sport will visit the Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Princess Margriet will be present from Wednesday 11 March to Saturday 14 March 2026 and will attend various sporting events on these days.
Prime Minister Jetten will be present on Saturday 14 March and will attend events in para-alpine skiing slalom and para-snowboarding slalom.
Minister Sterk will be in Cortina d’Ampezzo from Friday 13 March to Sunday 15 March and will attend the para-alpine skiing giant slalom and para-snowboarding slalom events.
Both Princess Margriet and Prime Minister Jetten and Minister Sterk will speak with athletes, their family members, coaches and support staff of TeamNL. In addition, Minister Sterk will speak with representatives of (inter)national sports federations and organisations involved in sport for people with disabilities, such as the Fonds Gehandicaptensport and the Esther Vergeer Foundation.
Paralympic TeamNL consists of eight athletes competing in para-alpine skiing and para-snowboarding. The team is led by Chef de Mission Esther Vergeer.