An article by Julie O'Shea highlights how Westfield Chodov is bringing the excitement of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games closer to Prague residents through a dedicated public fan zone. As the Winter Paralympic Games open in Milan on March 6, Czechia aims to return to the podium for the first time since 2010. From March 6 to 15, visitors in Prague can experience the Games firsthand without traveling abroad, as live broadcasts and interactive sports activities will be hosted at Westfield Chodov, later moving to Metropole Zličín.

The fan zone will feature live coverage of the Milano–Cortina events, experiential parasport installations, and athlete appearances, creating an engaging and inclusive environment. According to Alexandra Michaličková, deputy shopping centre manager at Westfield Chodov, the initiative aims to promote resilience, determination, and greater visibility for parasport in Czechia while helping to break down social barriers and encourage inclusion.

Visitors can enjoy a structured daily program. On weekends, the schedule includes a full-day accompanying program from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., moderated talks with athletes, autograph sessions, entertainment shows, and evening activities. On weekdays, live broadcasts and exhibitions run during the day, followed by parasport try-out stations and competitions in the afternoon and evening. Sports featured include Para hockey, Para curling, Goalball, Parashooting, Handbike, Boccia, Para table tennis, and Para badminton, allowing visitors to experience the skill and dedication required in Paralympic disciplines.

Accessibility remains at the heart of the event. Westfield Chodov is fully equipped to support visitors with mobility, visual, and hearing impairments. The shopping centre offers acoustic and tactile navigation tools, along with the Tichá linka service for direct communication with reception staff. Its commitment to inclusion has been formally recognized through Access4you certification, ensuring that the fan zone experience is welcoming and accessible to all.

Beyond sports, the event also serves as a community-building platform, encouraging families, students, and expats to come together and support Czech Paralympians. By creating an open-access environment in a popular public space, the organizers aim to make parasport more visible and relatable to a broader audience.

Through live energy, athlete interaction, and hands-on participation, the fan zone transforms a shopping center into a dynamic celebration of determination and achievement. It offers Prague residents a rare opportunity to connect with the spirit of the Winter Paralympic Games while fostering greater awareness, inclusion, and appreciation for adaptive sports.