Two curling stones, each weighing 20kg and made from granite sourced from Ailsa Craig in Scotland, were reported stolen from the Ice Stadium in Cortina, a site currently hosting the first matches of the Paralympic Games 2026. The theft was initially reported by the Austrian news agency Dpa and has been confirmed by local police in Cortina. Each stone is valued at approximately €800, which highlights not only the financial loss but also the significance of these items in the context of the games.

In reaction to the theft, the President of the Veneto Region, Alberto Stefani, condemned the act, characterizing it as a 'vile and unjustifiable' offense against the values of the Paralympics and sports in general. He emphasized that such actions undermine the dedication of Paralympic athletes, volunteers, and everyone involved in making this event a success. Stefani expressed hope that the perpetrators would be identified and punished appropriately.

The article indicates that despite the theft, there are no anticipated repercussions on the ongoing competitions at the venue, assuring that the event can continue as planned. However, the incident raises concerns about security and the integrity of the sporting environment during a significant international event, suggesting that more stringent security measures may be necessary to protect valuable equipment and maintain the spirit of sportsmanship.