Your Winter Paralympics primer: What, who and how to watch

Hundreds of para athletes are competing in Italy through March 15 at the Winter Paralympics, where many Americans are defending past titles and the U.S. sled hockey team is particularly focused on fending off rival Canada for its fifth consecutive gold medal. The prestigious international competition showcases the incredible abilities and determination of athletes with disabilities from around the world, with multiple disciplines taking place across snow and ice venues. The U.S. sled hockey team enters the event as a dominant force, having established a remarkable streak of excellence that has become a source of national pride in adaptive sports. American athletes have historically been strong competitors in various Paralympic events, with many returning champions looking to add to their medal collections in this quadrennial competition. The sled hockey rivalry between the United States and Canada promises to be particularly intense, as the Canadian team has consistently pushed the Americans in recent international competitions, creating a compelling narrative that captivates audiences and elevates the level of play. Beyond the medal races, the Winter Paralympics serves as an important platform for promoting inclusivity and challenging perceptions about disability and athletic achievement worldwide.