Chasing dreams on ice and snow: How National Lottery players power our Winter Games heroes
23rd January 2026
Every week, National Lottery players raise £32 million for Good Causes. Because of you, Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes can chase their dreams at the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Since 1995, over £200 million of National Lottery investment has helped power winter sport in the UK supporting elite athletes, grassroots clubs, and world-class facilities, enabling champions to emerge from communities across the UK.
Why the Winter Games matter
The impact goes beyond medals. Following the 2022 Winter Olympics, two-thirds of the British public said they felt genuine pride watching British athletes compete. Over half felt inspired, and nearly half felt connected to something bigger than themselves.
Winter sport at its best
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will mark the 25th edition of the Winter Games, bringing the world’s best winter athletes together for 19 days of competition.
Across the Games, 2,900 athletes will compete in 116 medal events across eight sports. It will be the most gender-balanced Winter Games yet, with women making up 47% of competitors, up from 40% at Sochi 2014.
The Paralympic Winter Games
Three weeks later, the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will mark a major milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics, returning to Italy for the first time since Torino 2006.
The road to Milan Cortina 2026
The Winter Games are about more than results. They’re about comeback stories, new stars, historic firsts and moments that bring the nation together.
British athletes are now competitive across more winter sports than ever before. Team GB is targeting 4 - 8 medals at Milan Cortina 2026, which would mark their strongest Winter Games performance yet. ParalympicsGB will field wheelchair curling teams in two events for the first time.
This progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of extraordinary determination and the support of National Lottery players.
Follow the journey
In the build-up to Milan Cortina 2026, we’ll share stories from the athletes, facilities and communities powered by National Lottery players.
From training grounds to podiums, from local clubs to the world stage, these stories show what happens when talent meets opportunity and when National Lottery players help make dreams a reality.