Formia celebrates 60 years. Malagò: a foundation of excellence upon which to build the future

This morning, Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI, together with Carlo Mornati, Deputy Secretary General and Head of Olympic Preparations, took part in the celebration of the 60 years of the Olympic Preparations Centre (CPO) in Formia. Instituted in 1955, thanks to an intuition of Bruno Zauli, to favour the growth of athletes and coaches in the field of competitive sports, the Centre is equipped with outdoor and indoor facilities, where more than 20 sport disciplines can be practised throughout the year. Various Federation Presidents and many representatives of CONI's local organisations attended the conference, together with Amar Addadi, President of the CIJM (International Committee of Mediterranean Games).

The event opened with two symbolic moments: Piazza del CPO (CPO square), will be pedestrianised and change its name to “Piazza delle Medaglie d’Oro” (Golden Medals square), while the Viale (avenue) was named after Pietro Mennea, unforgotten Olympic athlete, who precisely in Formia built some of his most significant victories.  The wife of the former 200-metre sprinter, Manuela, and his long-time coach, Carlo Vittori, were present at the event.

Malagò gave the official welcome. "Formia represents the height of Italy's sporting system and it is not thanks to me or to CONI's current top management. It is thanks to many of people in attendance today and to many that have left us. I give thanks to mayor Bartolomeo for his welcome and to Davide Tizzano, who runs the centre with care and passion. I give thanks to all people who felt this place as their home over the last 60 years, not only to those involved in athletics, which is still the most important discipline in the centre.  I am happy and excited to see and hug Manuela Mennea and Carlo Vittori for the emotional moments Pietro gifted us, and Sara Simeoni, athlete of the century representing all the exceptional champions who passed through Formia. The celebration of the past and of who wrote history is important, but even more important is to plan a winning future, and this place offers the foundation to think big. Here many athletes, even foreigners, have become champions".

The mayor of Formia, Sandro Bartolomeo, spoke of the pride the city has for the Centre, which is a reference point in the sporting world. "I think that in 1955, when Bruno Zauli founded this school, no one could have imagined what it was going to become. Formia's name has toured the world due to the results and fame acquired thanks to athletes that built their successes here".

Carlo Mornati, CONI's Deputy Secretary and Head of Olympic Preparations, expanded on the concept. "The 60 years of this facility represented an occasion to bring you here, to celebrate a model and a view of living the sporting experience.  Our Olympic preparation centres are a feather in our cap when the competitive sports movement is mentioned abroad, and this makes us proud. The Acqua Acetosa sport centre (based in Rome) is in the spotlight, whereas Formia and Tirrenia are nearly at the periphery. I am happy that the care given to the centres has been rewarded, many disciplines make use of it, together with the many athletes of Club Italia. Formia does not only stand for future, but I believe and I hope that it stands for a great present moment, as we prepare for the Rio Games".

Sara Simeoni spoke on behalf of the athletes, as athlete of the Century. "Formia has not only represented a springboard, but also a home, a place where to build successes and grow in the field of competitive sports. It has been an irreplaceable travel companion, I experienced indelible emotions, which I keep in the collection of my most beautiful memories".  Many champions of the past participated in the event, a vivid testimony to the special relationship that connects Formia to the world of the five-circle movement, the Olympics. President Malagò then visited the centre and greeted the athletes that were present.

Presentation of the 2014 sustainability report. Malagò: we must be a model of efficiency and transparency

CONI has officially presented the 2014 sustainability report, during the celebrations for the 60-year anniversary of the Olympic preparation centre in Formia. This is an initiative that was born last year to report back to all stakeholders the results obtained on the economic, social and environmental fronts. The second edition of the report is in line with the governance strategic model - aimed at sustainability - by which CONI operates, also thanks to the work of Coni Servizi. The work, presented with the participation of Teresa Zompetti, Head of CONI's Corporate Social Responsibility team, summarises the challenges that the Organisation has faced, the operating style that characterises its activities and the attention given to the people that allow its aims to be reached.

Malagò has emphasised the importance of this turning point, announced in the electoral program that brought him to become President of the Organisation and pursued with success. "I am happy that the report is presented in Formia, with the attendance of many members of the Board and National Council: it provides a snapshot of a different CONI, which keeps up with the times; abroad I receive a lot of compliments for our heritage, for what we are doing, and for our plans for the future. There are some fundamental guiding principles: high standards, as we are in this splendid centre for Olympic Preparations; there is then the social theme, which opens to the world of the Promotion Agencies, the other important side of our medal.  And then there is the big topic of our presence in the territory, followed by governance and transparency. I hope I am acting as a good President and I wish that Board and Council rise up to the challenge, as well as managers and employees. I am proud of an important figure: we have 11 less people working for us compared to last year, we are rationalising our administration, there are more women than men and more young people compared to a year ago, and we want to continue in this direction. Regardless of the judgement on my personal accomplishments, no one can question the will to run this organisation as if we were an open book.  The issue of transparency is at the core of our beliefs: everybody must notice our uniqueness, starting with the stakeholders we communicate with: they respect us a lot and believe in what we are doing. Finally, there is the care towards each individual. Everyone knows that there are no discriminations or favouritisms. We must be a model: when I leave, I hope to have the certainty I developed a philosophy for other sectors of the public administration.  

Rome 2024 is looking for photographic talents

The Rome bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 is holding a competition for young aspiring photographers and video makers in Rome. The winner of the competition will become part of the Rome 2024 Committee until 2017. Photographic talents between 18 and 30 years are invited to capture in a "click" an original idea encapsulating ​​the link between the beauty and culture of the Capital and sport. The successful photographer or video maker will work with the Rome 2024 Committee to promote not only the link between beauty, culture and sports, but also the innovation and sustainability of the city, central elements of the Olympic legacy . 

To participate, entrants can use a smart phone, a camera or a video camera to submit 5 photos, a video of a maximum of 5 minutes and a brief description of maximum 2 thousand characters, along with a cv and the module (downloadable from www.2024roma.org) to concorsi@2024roma.org. The deadline is January 10, 2016. The best entries will be selected by the president of Rome 2024 Luca di Montezemolo, CONI president Giovanni Malagò, the president of Technogym Nerio Alessandri, the director, screenwriter and filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore, and the famous portrait painter and photographer Fabio Lovino.

The winner will have the chance to live the Olympic dream, working directly within the Rome 2024 Committee, with a total salary of 36,000 euro (until September 2017) and to become a star of the Olympic challenge, having the opportunity to contribute to the greatest celebration of Sport in Rome. The full terms can be found at www.2024roma.org.

Fiona May will be in charge of athlete relations. "I want the Olympics in Rome for all young athletes

Fiona May debuts tomorrow in Prague with Rome 2024: she will be in charge of athlete relations.

1)      You will manage the relationships with the athletes at an international level on behalf of the Rome 2024 Committee. How do you envision this role and what will your first activities be in order to involve the world champion’s support for Rome’s bid?
"Becoming a part of this team is fantastic. The role I will play for Rome’s bid is perfect for me. I was born in the UK, I have Jamaican origins, I am an Italian citizen and I currently live in this beautiful country. I have travelled the world and met many athletes of all nationalities. I am a product of multiculturalism and I hope to bring this spirit to the Rome 2024 bid. Currently, thanks to my commitment with the Football Association, I am working on integration projects, trying to encourage the growth of cultural professionals and fans and working to raise public awareness on anti-discrimination issues. I will bring all of my cultural awareness and  knowledge in the Rome 2024 team. I really think that this country and this city in particular need to show the world their multiculturalism and people’s openness to issues such as immigration and gender equality. I think that sports and events such as the Olympics can contribute a lot".

2)     What do the Rome Olympics mean to you and what are the strengths of Rome’s bid? 
"In this particular moment, some people may not believe that Rome can succeed. But it is in times of difficulty that people have to believe, work harder and come together to win. Trophies and medals are won only after sweat and commitment. Rome is a beautiful city that has so much to give. For this reason, we have to accept the challenge. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a unique opportunity. For children and young people of today, because tomorrow they could have the chance to meet their favorite athletes in the streets of their city. It is an incredible opportunity for athletes, because they would wear the shirt of their national team at home. It is an incredible opportunity for everyone, because our entire country would benefit from the Games".

3)     You have two young daughters, what do you tell them about the Olympic Games you won and the future ones we could win?
"The oldest is 13 years old and just started practicing athletics. She's read a lot about me and every now and then she asks me: “Mom, how was competing in the Olympics?”, “How was it to win that competition?” I can see she is emotional about it and eager to being able to participate herself. For her, and for all the young athletes like her, I want the Olympics to take place in Rome".

4)     What are your memories of the Olympics as an athlete ?
"I remember the immensity of the Olympic Village and colors, many colors. I remember the joy, but also the fear of facing a race. In Seoul, in 1988, I was very young. I remember the feeling of  the handshake of other champions and the smile of the coaches. The feeling of being a part of this “Club of Elites”.  It was this that made me stronger and able to overcome the emotions and compete with determination. At home I have a book, which I consider my bible, "With Winning in Mind" by Lanny Bassham a shooting champion, gold medal at the '76 Olympics. He gave it to me in person and to me it represents a set of resolutions to improve and to find the strength to hit every target. What Rome should do".

5)      Diana Bianchedi is the new general coordinator, a former fencer. You are a long jump champion, two athletes in the Rome 2024 dashboard. What is the added value you can bring to Rome’s bid?
"It's not only very good to have more athletes at the top of the bid, but also incredibly valuable to have two women. It's time to change the perception of Italy that some people have abroad. It is the time to understand that we are not so far behind as some think. I believe that choosing two women to represent the bid’s Committee is a winning strategy and I hope that the percentage of women will increase, both in sports, and among the winners. By having two female champions in the bid, Rome is demonstrating it's commitment through actions and not just words".

New Director General Diana Bianchedi "optimistic" after two day workshop in Lausanne

Diana Bianchedi, the Director General of Rome’s bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, used her first meeting with senior IOC officials to reinforce Rome’s message that the Games provide a once in a generation opportunity to transform the city.

Speaking at a two day workshop in Lausanne, the double Olympic gold medallist, told the IOC Rome will not only deliver a unique festival of sport but one which leaves a lasting legacy for the Italian capital and its people.

"We are coming back from Lausanne with great strength,” said Bianchedi. “We are sure that in order to change the future of our city and of young people through Rome’s bid, we must start now. "The issues on which we will base our bid are legacy, sustainability and transparency. We will work with all the organisations that can support us and make sure these goals become concrete.”

The IOC President Thomas Bach opened the workshop with a video message encouraging Rome to focus on the unique elements which characterise Italian culture in the world, its great artistic heritage and to promote the value of hospitality. 

He then focused on some aspects which Rome must keep in deep consideration in its communication: improving the quality of life of its citizens, delivering the long-term vision to the city, ensuring a unique experience for the spectators and to make sure athletes are the true heart of the project. The Rome team reassured the IOC that they are fully committed to all these values. Other topics covered included the venues, the ethical code and an initial evaluation of the Italian application file.

Bianchedi ended her first official international meeting since taking charge of the bid committee by thanking the representatives of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Region, Resources for Rome and the Agency for Mobility, which together with the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP) were also present in Lausanne.

The web series "Così Vicino-Team Young Italy UnipolSai" now on-line

From Wednesday 18 November, the video web series “Così Vicino (So Close)- Team Young Italy UnipolSai” will be on-line; this is the first web series dedicated to seven Italian sport champions who constitute the Team Young Italy UnipolSai; it is entirely produced and signed by UnipolSai and is part of BLU (Broadcast Lab Unipol).  Federica Pellegrini, Vincenzo Abbagnale, Eseosa Desalu, Carlotta Ferlito, Andrea Fondelli, Gregorio Paltrinieri and Alessia Trost will tell their story and be portrayed by others in a completely new way, through 35 episodes, viewed exclusively on the Youtube Unipol Group Corporate Channel.

The web series is preceded by an engaging trailer-promo, posted from today also on the Unipol Group channel. Starting from 18 November, with fortnightly appointments (with the exclusion of the Christmas break) until  the end of January, each episode of “Cosi Vicino - Team Young Italy UnipolSai” will be devoted to a theme around which the sporting and personal story of these young champions will unfold.

A real storytelling trail narrated through their direct account and the contributions of trainers, parents and other close friends, in some cases filmed for the first time. The sport sphere will be combined in an entirely natural way with the more intimate emotional sphere, touching upon "private" topics such as study, faith, love, family, friendship, dedication. In this way, important reflections on the meaning of being a champion, of being the son or daughter of champions, of staying close to home and then leaving, of being judged without judging, of the importance of knowing oneself and enjoying the company of others, and further reflections on what one feels when losing an important person, and, finally on the emotion of the first competition and first victory.

A great and thrilling story, on one hand the story of a shared experience, but on the other also profoundly personal, moving through brief and intense narratives, all connected through the theme of closeness - Così Vicino (So Close), organised in five themes: So close to you, So close to home, So close to the finishing line, So close to the heart, So close to the dream. "The web series dedicated to the Team Young Italy UnipolSai represents a journey that, through the life stories, the dedication and the challenges of these seven young people, amongst which the important path towards the next Olympic Games in Rio, wants to explore the deep meaning of closeness - states Alberto Federici, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of the Unipol Group. A closeness to young people and to sport for which we are engaged every day with national projects, amongst which the main sponsorship of UnipolSai with CONI".

The Team Young Italy UnipolSai and the web series dedicated to them see the collaboration of DAO Management for all interaction and management aspects with the seven athletes involved in the project.  With this project, UnipolSai Assicurazioni strengthens its ties with sport and the special attention it has always given to the future generations, acknowledging to this sphere an educational potential of primary importance for the education of the individual and its personal and social growth.  Because for the Unipol Group, to think about the future of people means also to think about what they love: sport.

Malagò phones Masseglia: "Coni is close to France". A minute of silence arranged at all sporting events

In the light of the extremely serious events that occurred yesterday evening in Paris, this morning, the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, phoned the President of the French Olympics Committee, Dennis Masseglia, to express the closeness and solidarity of the entire Italian sporting worlds both to France and to its Olympic institutions in this intense moment of grief. During the phone call, Malagò and Masseglia agreed that sport is the only way to unite nations and overcome divisiveness. Malagò and Masseglia agreed to have a meeting on Thursday 19 November in Prague, as part of the Council of European Olympic Committees.

At the end of the phone call, President Malagò announced his invitation to all National Sport Federations, the Associated Sport Disciplines and the Organisations for the Promotion of Sport to observe a minute of silence at all sporting events that will take place in Italy during the weekend to commemorate the victims of the Paris attacks.

Rome 2024, Montezemolo: solidarity to the France, Paris and the families of the victims

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the President of Rome's bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, today expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy for the people of France and Paris following yesterday's tragic events.

"This was a terrible, despicable and cowardly act of terrorism that hit Paris and the heart of humanity," said Sig Montezemolo. 

"On behalf of the Rome Olympic bid we wish to send a message of solidarity to the nation, the city and the families of the victims and to re-emphasise our deep closeness to our colleagues at the Paris bid committee. Our thoughts are with them at this terrible time".

Alessandra Sensini: the first Italian woman in the ISAF Hall of Fame

For the first time, Italian sailing joins the Hall of Fame of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), with Alessandra Sensini and Valentin Mankin.  This is what emerged during the yearly ISAF meetings, currently taking place in Sanya, China. The ISAF Hall of Fame was instituted in 2007 to celebrate the Federation's centenary.

To the first six athletes nominated eight years ago (Olin Stephens - USA, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Dame Ellen Macarthur - GBR, Paul Elvström - DEN, Barbara Kendall – NZL ed Eric Tabarly – FRA), ISAF decided to add another seven wind champions and amongst these are Alessandra Sensini, sailor-woman with the most Olympic awards, with four medals (one gold, one silver and two bronze), currently member of the Board of CONI, as well as Coach for the youth of the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) and vice Coach of the Olympic Team. Together with the Italian Olympic champion, there will be the great Valentin Mankin, Ukrainian by birth and Italian by adoption, three golds and one silver medal at the Olympic Games, as well as an extraordinary career as a coach and being an inimitable reference point for entire generations of Italian sailors, up to his death, in June 2014.

The other five outstanding sailing champions are Dennis Conner, Harold Vanderbilt and Buddy Melges from the United States, Sir Peter Blake from New Zealand and Torben Grael from Brazil. "I want to thank all people in attendance, because for me it is an honour to be here today. A few years ago I received the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award and it was incredible, and now joining the Hall of Fame is something totally unexpected", declared Alessandra Sensini during the introduction ceremony. "I would like to thank in particular ISAF President Carlo Croce, because, as soon as I ended my competitive training, he allowed me to support and promote the youth training, which I care a lot for, thanks to an important role I was given within the Italian Sailing Federation. I hope, in this regard, to be a source of inspiration for the new generations and to manage to transmit to the youth all my knowledge of sailing".

Two times Olympic fencing champion Diana Bianchedi appointed new General Coordinator of Olympic bid

Rome's bid to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Rome in 2024 entered a new phase today with the appointment of two times Olympic gold medallist Diana Bianchedi as general coordinator. Bianchedi, 46, enjoyed a long and distinguished career in international fencing culminating with 16 medals including two Olympic gold medals in the team foil at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and the Sydney Games in 2000 and five world titles and two European titles.

She has held a series of prestigious functions for the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) including Deputy Vice-Chairman, Chairman of the Athletes Commission, executive member of the Anti-Doping Scientific Committee and is currently President of the Merit Commission. Bianchedi, who has a degree in sports medicine, takes over as co-ordinator of the Olympic bid team from Claudia Bugno who is leaving to take up a new, important challenge. "I wish to thank Claudia for her hard work”, said Rome 2024 bid President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo. “Her experience has been important in laying the groundwork of the Olympic bid and to generate a solid and sustainable plan.

“Diana Bianchedi will now take us into an exciting new phase for the bid. As well as being an undisputed champion, Diana is an experienced and capable manager. Her proven knowledge of the world of sport will be an important added value to Rome 2024, a project that focuses on the athletes". CONI President Giovanni Malagò added: "I want to wish Claudia all the best in her new managerial challenge and express my sincere gratitude for her great efforts. “I am excited and at the same time eager that Diana will play an important role in this challenge because it is important to have the presence of a person with her sports management background. Her career in CONI, combined with her sporting history, makes her a perfect leader for this project”.