A selection of photos from Major League Baseball's spring training

Spring training exhibition games have begun in Major League Baseball. Here's a selection of photos curated by AP photo editors.

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An anole climbs on the batting cage netting during a Minnesota Twins spring training baseball workout in Fort Myers, Fla., Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A man walks through the concourse before a spring training baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill tosses a ball to fans during spring training baseball practice Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Tampa Bay Rays Carson Williams is tagged out at first base by Boston Red Sox first baseman Nathan Hickey on a double play to end the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game in Port Charlotte, Fla., Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New York Yankees fans, wearing powdered judge's wigs, watch Aaron Judge take batting practice during a spring training baseball workout Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Minnesota Twins outfielder Kyler Fedko warms up during a spring training baseball workout in Fort Myers, Fla., Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Atlanta Braves Drake Baldwin tries to catch pumpkin seeds as he is greeted in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in North Port, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Lively Hagauer, of Atlanta, with permanent marker on her face, yells out for autographs before a spring training baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Minnesota Twins in North Port, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

San Francisco Giants' Christian Koss works out during spring training baseball Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Boston Red Sox's Braiden Ward scores past Minnesota Twins catcher Andrew Cossetti in the seventh inning of a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Logan Eaton, age 9, plays catch in the outfield before a spring training baseball game between the Texas Rangers and the Colorado Rockies, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

MILAN (AP) — Days ahead of the Winter Paralympics, when disabled athletes will take center stage at the Milan Cortina Games, a choir from northern Italy performed a pop music concert inside Milan’s Sant’Antonio church, calling for harmony and inclusion — particularly of those with disabilities.

Around 70 teenagers and adults in the Terzo Tempo choir traveled from the neighboring city Abbiategrasso for their Feb. 18 performance, titled “Like Yeast in the Dough.” It drew on a Gospel image that reflects the project’s spirit: a discreet presence that helps anyone rise from within.

The choir’s concert in Milan formed part of the archdiocese’s strategy to seize the Olympic and Paralympic moment to impart Christian values.

“The Olympics and the Paralympics are not something that simply passes over our heads, but something that also touches our lives,” said the Rev. Stefano Guidi, who heads the Archdiocese of Milan’s Service for Oratories and Sport.

Milan’s Catholic Church created in 2021 a special branch that focuses on raising awareness of inclusion. Its work stretches through local parishes and communities, encouraging welcoming environments for everyone, disabled and non-disabled alike.

“If we focus on organizing things only for people with disabilities, we risk segregation,” said the Rev. Mauro Santoro, who leads the office alongside 13 volunteers. “Instead, we try to bring everyone together — children’s catechism, sports, the simplest activities — because this is true inclusion.”

The Catholic Church’s work with young people in Italy largely relies on oratories, parish spaces where children and teenagers gather after school for sports and recreational activities. In these spaces, Santoro said, training to involve people with disabilities and discussions regarding values connected to the Paralympics take place, as well.

“There are testimonies from athletes, including Paralympians,” he said. “The real challenge is to change the game so everyone can play well and participate.”

This goal was reflected in the choir’s concert at Sant’Antonio. The repertoire was in Italian, English and included a Congolese samba — a choice aimed at diversifying and conveying values associated with the Olympic spirit.

“We tried to choose songs that speak about the desire to achieve something and about constant commitment because that is what really matters beyond the result,” said the choir’s director, Silvia Gatti. “These are values that athletes believe in, but they should concern everyone.”

The choir, whose motto is “Where singing is unity, passion, freedom and joy,” welcomes participants from all backgrounds and encourages children to sing with people in their 70s.

In previous performances, the choir has addressed themes such as peace and opposition to violence against women, underscoring its community-focused mission.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Coro Terzo Tempo perform during a concert at the church of Sant’Antonio Abate in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/María Teresa Hernández)

Members of Coro Terzo Tempo gather inside the church of Sant’Antonio Abate before a concert in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/María Teresa Hernández)

The Rev. Stefano Guidi, head of the Archdiocese of Milan’s Service for Oratories and Sport, addresses attendees during a concert at the church of Sant’Antonio Abate in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/María Teresa Hernández)