The Olympic flame welcomed by President of the Republic Mattarella at the Quirinale
- ARRIVAL IN ITALY
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, welcomed the Olympic flame of Milano Cortina 2026 to the Quirinale.
The reception ceremony took place in the afternoon in the Cortile d'Onore, against the backdrop of the glass pavilion. CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and Secretary General Carlo Mornati were in attendance (photo by Simone Ferraro/CONI).
This morning in Athens, the President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, Giovanni Malagò, received the torch through the ceremonial passing of the baton with Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
The Olympic symbol, returning to Italy 20 years after Turin 2006, was accompanied by the Italian delegation and Olympic athlete Jasmine Paolini. The transfer took place aboard an ITA Airways flight carrying an oil lantern.
Also present were Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, Cortina's mayor, Gianluca Lorenzi, and MiCo 2026's CEO, Andrea Varnier.
The inauguration ceremony for the Olympic flame's journey will be held at the Quirinale tomorrow morning. On Saturday morning, the torch relay will begin at the Stadio dei Marmi and travel across the country, concluding on 6 February with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games at San Siro.
During its 63-day journey, the torch will make 60 stops for celebrations, covering 12,000 km across 110 provinces and over 300 municipalities.
Milano Cortina 2026: fiaccola olimpica al Quirinale
The Olympic flame in Italy 20 years on. The handover in Athens, in the afternoon ceremony at the Quirinale. Buonfiglio: the torch a symbol of unity
- MILANO CORTINA 2026
The Olympic flame returns to Italy. Twenty years after Turin 2006, the Olympic symbol shines in our country, bearing its universal significance and marking a key milestone in the lead-up to the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.
The Olympic flame handover ceremony took place at the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens, Greece. The solemn marble of this elliptical structure, guardian of the Olympic tradition and its founding principles, provided the backdrop for the ceremonial passing of the torch to Giovanni Malagò, President of the MiCo 2026 Foundation.
Luciano Buonfiglio, the President of CONI, together with the Secretary General, Carlo Mornati, and the Deputy Vice-President, Diana Bianchedi, participated in the event. Among the attendees were the mayors of Milan and Cortina, Giuseppe Sala and Gianluca Lorenzi respectively, as well as the Italian Ambassador to Greece, Paolo Cuculi.
Two exceptional torchbearers, the Tricolour Olympians Jasmine Paolini (tennis) and Filippo Ganna (cycling), graced the arrival of the torch in the stadium. The lighting ceremony, meanwhile, was honoured by the contributions of Stefania Belmondo (cross-country skiing) and Armin Zoeggeler (luge).
The ceremony opened with a screening of the “Gymnastics for All – Wolves Team” show, choreographed by Olimpia Dragouni and accompanied by Hellenic singer Klavdia. This was followed by a performance by the choir of the Italian School of Athens in collaboration with the Tam Ballet Company of Milan. One hundred young dancers took part in this performance, which delighted those present and set the tone for the rest of the event.
The High Priestess Mary Mina lit the final torch to pass it into the hands of the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos. After emphasising the importance of this annual event, which strengthens the connection to the roots of Olympism, the head of Greek sport handed the Olympic flame to Italy.
The President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, Giovanni Malagò, proudly took up the baton, emphasising its significance: “Today is a magical moment for all of us, as we prepare to bring the sacred Olympic flame back to Italian soil for the first time in twenty years. Standing here in this historic stadium reminds us of the honour bestowed upon us and the precious treasure we will take home. Italy is proud of its Olympic heritage, and of athletes such as Jasmine Paolini, Filippo Ganna, Stefania Belmondo and Armin Zoeggeler, who represented us on our journey to Greece in pursuit of excellence. We are ready to write the next chapter in history. In 1960, when Rome last hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I was just over a year old. That edition was dominated by the image of Ethiopian legend Abebe Bikila, who won the marathon barefoot under the Arch of Constantine, and the last torchbearer in that year's relay was another runner: Giancarlo Peris, a little-known 19-year-old athlete who had won the student cross-country championship in the province of Rome. He may not have been a world-famous champion, but Peris symbolised a vibrant and hopeful new era for Italy. And sixty-five years later, in Milano Cortina, we aim to harness that vibrant Italian spirit once again. It is through this spirit that we will inspire and unite the country and the world as we come together to celebrate the precious Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect".
CONI President Buonfiglio expressed his thoughts on the uniqueness of the event: “These are moments that we experience with great intensity. I think of all the work that has been done since the bid was submitted, the hundreds of people working on it and all those committed to ensuring that our country makes a good impression: the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, CONI, the government, the regions, the municipalities, the volunteers, and the torch that will travel throughout Italy from today. I would like this torch to bring us all closer together and make us more united in our support for our country, especially when we are abroad. We realise how much we are appreciated, but sometimes we don't say it. Every now and then, it would be nice to be proud of what we are doing. Facilities? We do not live on good deeds alone, but also on legacy. This journey must demonstrate that Italy wants to achieve many great things for its cities, its citizens, its girls and its boys, without distinction between the Olympic and Paralympic worlds. The dream is to start a plan for sports infrastructure and facilities because sports clubs have done so much for Italian sport in recent years and deserve to remain the focus of the government and the Ministry of Sport. Sport produces well-being and a healthy lifestyle and sets an example for how we should behave on a daily basis”.
The flame is expected to arrive at the Quirinale at 6 p.m., where it will be welcomed by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the Vetrata del Cortile d'Onore.
Atene: consegnata all'Italia la fiaccola di Milano Cortina 2026
Milano Cortina 2026: Olympic flame lit in Olympia. Buonfiglio: “A special emotion”
- OLYMPIC GAMES
The sacred fire of Olympia now burns once more, lighting the path towards Milano Cortina 2026. The flame-lighting ceremony for the Winter Olympic Games, scheduled from 6 to 22 February next year, was held at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, birthplace of the five rings.
The event opened with the national anthems of the Olympic Movement, Italy and Greece, performed by the children’s choir of the Italian School of Athens, and was attended by leading institutional and sporting figures. CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio took part in the solemn ritual alongside Deputy Vice President Diana Bianchedi – who also serves as Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer of MICO2026. Also in attendance were the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, IOC Members Ivo Ferriani and Federica Pellegrini, IOC Honorary Member Francesco Ricci Bitti and representatives of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
In his welcome address, Aristides Panagiotopoulos, Mayor of Ancient Olympia, greeted the large gathering of officials by recalling the timeless values that define the world’s foremost sporting event – unity, peace and brotherhood.
Giovanni Malagò, IOC Member and President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, highlighted how “the Italian spirit will shine through the flame of the torch, lighting up the whole of Italy and uniting the world in the common purpose at the heart of Milano Cortina: harnessing the enduring power of the Olympic Games to create new opportunities for younger generations through sport. It will be a privilege to bring the torch once more along the banks of the River Tiber and return it to Rome, retracing the route of twenty years ago during the Torino 2006 Games. Every step will remind us of the power of sport to break down barriers and help build a more sustainable future together”.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry, visibly moved as she attended her first Olympic flame-lighting ceremony in her new role, added: “I shouldn’t be emotional, but this place is special. In a world as divided as ours, the Games provide a symbolic moment, and it is our duty and responsibility to ensure that athletes from across the globe can come together peacefully, inspiring the hopes and dreams of those who follow us. This is the Olympic spirit – upholding the values that guide us”.
The address by Hellenic Olympic Committee President Isidoros Kouvelos paved the way to the ceremony’s most anticipated moment. The Olympic flame – lit days earlier at the Temple of Hera using the sun’s rays according to the ancient ritual – entered the Museum in the hands of High Priestess Mary Mina and her fellow Priestesses, before being passed to the first torchbearer, Petros Gkaidatzis, bronze medallist in the lightweight double sculls at Paris 2024.
Gkaidatzis then shared the torch with Stefania Belmondo outside the Archaeological Museum. Italy was represented by the cross-country skiing Olympic champion and by Armin Zoeggeler, the legendary six-time Olympic medallist in luge, who became the third torchbearer and launched the nine-day Greek relay. Covering roughly 2,200 km and seven regions, the final torchbearer will be Aikaterini Oikonomopoulou, silver medallist in women’s water polo at Athens 2004.
At the close of the ceremony, President Buonfiglio expressed his pride: “When I was elected President of CONI on 26 June, I never imagined I would experience emotions like these. It is an extraordinary privilege to be here today, where the Games were born 2,800 years ago, and to take part once again in the consecration of what the Olympic torch and the Olympic Movement truly represent. I will also have the honour of being a torchbearer in Milan, on the very day of the Opening Ceremony. It’s a flood of emotions, and it reminds me of the responsibility we have taken on – but I’m reassured because the team around me, the federation presidents and the entire sporting community, stand united. With the support of the Secretary General’s staff, our communications and organisational teams, we will play a leading role in these Games, which will once again place Italy at the centre of the world. My dream is for all Italians to cheer for our athletes. It’s a demanding competition, and such a remarkable organisation deserves great success. Italians must make their warmth felt. My dream is for Italy to embrace our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Belmondo and Zoeggeler? They are legends, and I’m delighted that my choice was shared by everyone. In Athens we’ll have two more icons of Italian sport, and I’m sure they will inspire great enthusiasm”.
There was also a light-hearted moment with IOC Member Federica Pellegrini, who teased him: “Are you worried after seeing how fast the torchbearers had to run today?”. To which Buonfiglio replied: “I had trained for a four-minute stretch,” prompting Pellegrini to laugh and say: “We’ll have to extend that, President”.
CONI is currently represented in Greece by Alessio Boggiatto, world champion in the 400m individual medley at Fukuoka 2001 and winner of 11 European medals. From 1 December, he will be succeeded by Elisa Santoni, multiple Olympic medallist and world champion in rhythmic gymnastics.
The visit to Greece will conclude on 4 December 2025 in Athens, with the Handover Ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium, where a delegation from the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee will officially receive the Olympic flame and bring it to Italy that same day.
The flame will arrive in Rome on the afternoon of 4 December and, two days later, begin a 63-day journey covering 12,000 km across 110 provinces and more than 300 municipalities. The route will culminate in Milan on the evening of 6 February 2026, with the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium.
Olimpia: accesa la fiamma di Milano Cortina 2026
Olympic Truce declaration signed in Olympia. Coventry: "Young people must be allowed to dream"
- IN THE MUSEUM OF THE GAMES
The Museum of the Modern Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece, this afternoon hosted the ceremony for the declaration of the Olympic Truce – a high-profile institutional event, held in the cradle of the Games, to reaffirm the universal significance of the five rings as a language of peace.
CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio attended alongside Deputy Vice President Diana Bianchedi – who also serves as Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer for MICO2026 – just hours before the Olympic Flame is lit.
Also present were IOC President Kirsty Coventry, Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation Giovanni Malagò, IOC Members Ivo Ferriani and Federica Pellegrini, Honorary Member Francesco Ricci Bitti, and Italy’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Paolo Cuculli.
The ceremony was promoted by the mayors of the Greek municipalities of Archaia Olympia, Ilida and Sparta, together with the International Olympic Truce Centre.
Inspired by the ritual calling for a truce, first established in Ancient Greece, the mayors issued an appeal for “weapons to be laid down and hostilities to cease across the globe for the entire period from the seventh day before the start of the XXV Olympic Winter Games until the seventh day after the conclusion of the XIV Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, as set out in the United Nations resolution”.
The Olympic Truce declaration was signed by Coventry, Abodi, Malagò and Buonfiglio, as well as by Ambassador Cuculli. “Greece has a special place in my heart, because it was here that I became an Olympic champion for the first time, and it feels almost surreal to be back now,” Coventry stressed, adding: “In a world that can sometimes seem so sad and divided, it is vital that there is still room for young people to dream and to realise what they are capable of – and that makes what we are doing here today all the more important”.
Milano Cortina 2026 unveils the complete route of the Olympic Torch Relay
- FROM ROME TO SAN SIRO
The complete route of the Olympic Torch Relay has been unveiled, an itinerary that will cross Italy from 6 December 2025 to 6 February 2026, showing the world its timeless beauty. In addition to the 60 celebration cities along the route, more than 300 municipalities have also been announced that will welcome the Flame along its 12,000 km journey: a unique mosaic of territories, stories and communities that, stage after stage, will give life to a widespread national celebration.
The Relay will begin on 26 November 2025 with the lighting of the Olympic Flame in Olympia, a symbolic place of the Olympic tradition. On 4 December, in Athens, the Flame will be handed over to Italy, a solemn moment marking the start of the journey towards the Olympic Winter Games of Milano Cortina 2026. Immediately afterwards, the Flame will arrive in Rome, from where, on 6 December, the Olympic Torch Relay will officially set off: a route that will cross every Italian region, illuminating cities of art, villages, places of shared memory, and landscapes recognised around the world.
"Every step of the Relay through our cities will remind the world of the power of sport to build bridges and break down barriers," says Giovanni Malagò, President of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. "It will be a journey that weaves roots and future, hospitality and innovation, celebrating the essence of Italy".
Accompanying the Flame will be the two Presenting Partners of the Olympic Torch Relay: Coca-Cola and Eni, who will enhance each stage with special activations, helping to make the Relay an even more engaging experience. Iconic places, collective memory and a journey into the heart of Italy
An impressive organisational effort, the result of more than two years of planning, will accompany a convoy nearly 200 metres long, moving at around 4 km/h. Each day will begin at 7.30 a.m. with the departure of the convoy and conclude around 7.30 p.m. with the lighting of the cauldron in the final city of the day during the city celebration, a festive and participatory moment for local communities.
From the Colosseo to the Fontana di Trevi, from Duomo di Milano to the Grand Canal in Venezia, the Flame will pass by symbols of Italy’s cultural heritage, alongside places that embody resilience and renewal, such as Amatrice and the Scampia district.
"The route has been designed to highlight the country's most evocative landscapes and the stories of talent, courage and solidarity that bring them to life," emphasises Maria Laura Iascone, Director of Ceremonies at Fondazione. "It is a journey that celebrates creativity and inclusion, the very values the Games bring to the world".
The Flame will be in Naples for Christmas, ring in the New Year in Bari, and return to Cortina D’Ampezzo on 26 January 2026 – exactly 70 years after the Opening Ceremony of the 1956 Games, before concluding its journey in Milan, entering San Siro on the evening of 6 February 2026.
The Relay will also feature extraordinary highlights along the route:
• The ascent to Punta Gnifetti on Monte Rosa (4,554 metres)
• A visit to the Marmore Falls
• The magic of the Amalfi Coast illuminated by the torchbearers
• A passage along the Grand Canal in Venice
Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Lancia and Maserati to feature with a fleet of around 3,000 vehicles at Milano Cortina 2026 as Automotive Premium Partner
- WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES
With a fleet of approximately 3,000 vehicles, Stellantis – through its Italian brands Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Lancia and Maserati – will serve as the Automotive Premium Partner of the XXV Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The global sporting event, which will open in Milan on 6 February 2026 at the San Siro Stadium, will bring together around 3,500 athletes from all over the world. The Closing Ceremony will take place on 22 February 2026 at the Verona Arena, followed by the Paralympic Games from 6 to 15 March.
The partnership agreement was presented at the CONI headquarters in Rome by John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis, and Olivier François, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Stellantis and CEO of FIAT, together with Luciano Buonfiglio, President of CONI; Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation; Marco Giunio De Sanctis, President of the Italian Paralympic Committee; Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation; and Federico Mollicone, Chair of the Chamber of Deputies’ Committee on Culture, Science and Education (photo Roberto Di Tondo/CONI).
For the Italian brands of Stellantis, this partnership represents far more than sponsorship: it is a concrete act of support for the Olympic mission and a tribute to Italian excellence, to its values and to its strategic role on the international stage.
“Stellantis,” emphasised Chairman John Elkann, “will stand alongside the athletes, institutions and communities of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Through our tangible commitment to the country and to sport, we are proud and delighted to support Italy as it takes centre stage at the world’s greatest sporting event: the Olympic Games”. The partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 forms part of a broader programme to reconnect with local communities and enhance the unique heritage of the Group’s Italian brands, which are now placed at the service of sport and its core values: inclusion, determination, respect and sustainability. These values are deeply shared with the Olympic Movement and today guide the Company’s strategic choices.
To support the mobility needs of the Games, Stellantis will provide around 3,000 vehicles – over half of them electrified – for athletes, volunteers, staff and federations, who will travel across the extensive territories of these “diffused” Games aboard Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Fiat Professional, Abarth, Lancia and Maserati models. The brands will play a prominent role at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games through association with specific sports and athletes, and several will release special editions featuring celebratory Olympic branding.
FIAT will mark the partnership with a special series for the Italian market that embodies the Olympic spirit and Italy’s genuine passion for sport. Distinguished by unique details and a commemorative badge, the new Fiat 600 Sport Milano Cortina 2026 Edition – available in electric and hybrid versions with 145 hp and 110 hp automatic transmission – features a sporty exterior and contemporary interiors, offering the perfect balance of Italian style, grit and functionality.
Abarth will unveil the 600e Competizione Milano Cortina 2026 Edition, an ultra-limited run of only 50 units reserved exclusively for the Italian market. A pure sports car with no compromises: 280 hp, lightning-fast acceleration and cutting-edge technologies for an exhilarating driving experience.
Alfa Romeo – which expresses passion and competitiveness in the most demanding disciplines – will celebrate the partnership with special Milano Cortina 2026 Editions of the Junior and Tonale. Both models will showcase the brand’s sporting attitude through exclusive styling details and premium materials, delivering refined aesthetics and comprehensive equipment that firmly position them within the premium segment.
Lancia will present the Ypsilon Milano Cortina 2026 Edition in HF Line configuration, which transfers the HF spirit and stylistic language to the hybrid powertrain while preserving the unmistakable identity of the iconic marque. During the Olympic Games, the Lancia fleet will bear both the Olympic and Paralympic celebratory logos, placed alongside the HF acronym and the historic Elephant emblem, symbols of Lancia’s sporting heritage.
Maserati will showcase its dedication to performance and Italian luxury in the most iconic and institutional moments of the Olympic Games. As Automotive Premium Partner, the Trident brand will embody the Olympic values of tradition, competition and prestige with an exclusive and distinctive presence, while celebrating the spirit of the Games through elegance, power and innovation.
CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio stated: “We have the honour and responsibility of representing our country on the world stage, with the capability and passion that reflect our tricolour history and the credibility of the Italian National Olympic Committee, which has become a model of reference thanks to the results achieved and the heritage we safeguard. We are proud to renew our commitment to pursuing new and ambitious goals, strengthened by a partnership that embodies the pride and strength of Made in Italy through the agreement signed by Stellantis with the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, becoming Automotive Premium Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as well as an official partner of our Olympic team through its Italian brands. This agreement expresses the enduring power of the identity roots represented by this extraordinary company, in continuity with past experiences and thanks to that sense of belonging that unites all parties involved. It is a legacy that enables us to convey a message combining innovation with indispensable added value. Stellantis takes up the baton honoured by FIAT at every Olympic edition hosted in Italy – from Cortina 1956 to Rome 1960 and Turin 2006 – in the tradition of a natural synergy that becomes a precious bridge between past, present and future, a hallmark recognised worldwide, projecting the ambitions we share. It does so by deploying iconic brands that have marked the history of the automobile – Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Lancia and Maserati – all fully aligned with the genetic code and guiding principles of this exceptional challenge. Milano Cortina 2026 will be the fourth Olympic chapter ever held in our country and a historic event thanks to its unique features: the first Games spread across multiple territories, with dual naming and a concept designed to concretely translate the principles of the IOC’s Agenda 2020 and ‘New Norm’ reforms. It will be a visionary edition, defined by sustainability, efficiency and the creation of a tangible, long-lasting legacy. Spreading the spirit of the event is a duty to be fulfilled with responsibility and passion, thanks to the contribution of every individual involved. We believe in the importance of respect, inclusion and universal fraternity – the inviolable paradigm of the movement in its purest sense and the guiding star capable of bridging every distance through the language of peace, to build a more united society and a better world. Stellantis, the Organising Committee and CONI share the same vision, giving voice to the true essence of sport and to the ideals that Milano Cortina seeks to promote. The agreement presented today continues a path that encompasses the profound meaning of our know-how and our vision, through which we aim to inspire future generations. We are certain that Stellantis will ‘guide’ us with pride and confidence on this unforgettable journey, writing yet another chapter of success. United, together, raising the tricolour towards a future of pride, innovation and victory”.
“Being a partner of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is a tremendous source of pride for us. We want to leave our mark – like a trail in the snow or on asphalt: a distinctly Italian mark, made of passion, innovation and team spirit” said Olivier François, Chief Marketing Officer, Stellantis.
The initiative also marks a return home: twenty years after Turin 2006, Stellantis will renew its commitment to local communities through various initiatives. These include artistic installations celebrating Italian brands and their vehicles in Milan and at the main Olympic venues; the passage of the Olympic flame inside several Italian plants with the involvement of employees (120 of whom will be torchbearers during the entire Torch Relay) and their families; and celebrations in four Italian cities hosting the relay. The Olympic Games’ branding will also feature prominently in the festivities. This partnership is a showcase of Italian creativity and design, a reminder of fundamental values such as pride, determination, discipline and the pursuit of excellence. These are the values of the Italian spirit of Milano Cortina 2026; they are the values of Stellantis. When Italy gives its best, it is always a remarkable spectacle.
La flotta Stellantis guida l'Italia Team a Milano Cortina 2026
Collari d'Oro 2025 awarded, President Buonfiglio: “Italy a leading player on the world stage through a great team effort”
- AT FORO ITALICO
A great day of celebration for this year’s sporting successes, with the spotlight on next year’s Winter Olympic Games. At the Casa delle Armi in the Foro Italico, Rome, the 2025 Collari d’Oro al Merito Sportivo (Golden Collars for Sporting Merit) ceremony took place — the highest honour in Italian sport — broadcast live on Rai 2. The awards celebrated Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have won one or more world titles this year (some of whom will compete at Milano Cortina 2026), as well as coaches, sports clubs and individuals who have distinguished themselves throughout 2025 (photos by Luca Pagliaricci and Roberto Di Tondo/CONI).
The event was attended by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, CIP President Marco Giunio De Sanctis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti, and Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi.
Also present were numerous presidents of National Federations, Associated Sports Disciplines and Sports Promotion Bodies, together with representatives from across the Italian sporting world and from the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, led by former CONI President and IOC Member Giovanni Malagò. Among those at the Foro Italico were also IOC Honorary Members Franco Carraro, Mario Pescante, Manuela Di Centa, and Francesco Ricci Bitti (Honour Member).
Opening the ceremony, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio remarked: “This is the most important ceremony of all — one that recognises the value of those who have stood out and made a difference. We are honouring outstanding women and men athletes. But no one wins alone: these awards are also for families, clubs, coaches, CONI’s Olympic Preparation Department, and CONI’s Institute of Sports Medicine and Science. We will continue to support the Federations. We are world leaders — once again, the Italian flag has flown high on podiums and our national anthem has resounded across the globe. It’s not just about winning medals, but about highlighting the importance of a country that is increasingly a key player worldwide, thanks to a great team effort. Everyone has a role to play — the medals belong to everyone. And when we fall short, we must understand why and return to winning ways through synergy, harmony, cooperation and a willingness to listen. It is crucial to work in full harmony with the government, with Sport e Salute, and among all our sporting bodies, DSA, EPS, military sports groups and the CIP. It’s a demanding journey: even in the post-Olympic year, we remain near the top of the medal table, among the world’s best. We must keep investing in facilities, initiatives and research. We are working towards results that will make us proud. Best of luck to all the athletes who will compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games”.
CIP President Marco Giunio De Sanctis then addressed the audience: “We are celebrating the greatest Olympic and Paralympic athletes — together. Together is the way forward: CONI and CIP must move in step. This is an extraordinary moment in history; in February, we will host both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Turin 2006 was a major cultural success, and now we must not neglect promotion and grassroots development, which are essential for elite sport. For athletes with disabilities, starting out can be very difficult; sports facilities are vital. I wish the very best to Italian sport”.
Later, Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi added: “It’s always a pleasure to attend this important event each year, with renewed enthusiasm. The Collari d’Oro are an award of great solemnity. The presence of Ministers here today demonstrates the government’s clear commitment to sport. The boys and girls taking part in the Youth Games will look with admiration at the athletes who will compete at Milano Cortina 2026.
I would like to remember Mattia Debertolis and Matteo Franzoso, two wonderful athletes who are no longer with us. The issue of safety must coexist with sport. Life is the most precious thing we have been given — it is the most important medal, the Collare d’Oro par excellence. Sport makes life and respect for life its guiding principles.
I also want to express my gratitude and recognition to the men and women working on the Olympic construction sites: on 6 February, we will be ready thanks to their dedication. Italy will be at the centre of the world — it is an honour. And next year, we will also host the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. The spirit of sport is based on sharing, and it is always right to celebrate it”.
During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani said: “Every victory means promoting Italy, enhancing the country’s image abroad. Athletes are an essential instrument for that. And behind the athletes stands the business world. Sport is a great driver of national growth”.
Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi expressed that he was “very proud of our athletes, their achievements, and the opportunities they bring us” while Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti also congratulated all the awardees.
COLLARI D’ORO (Golden Collars)
Francesca Lollobrigida (speed skating, world champion 5,000 m)
Stefania Constantini (curling, mixed doubles world champion)
Roland Fischnaller (snowboard, parallel giant slalom world champion)
Michela Moioli (snowboard cross world champion)
Flora Tabanelli (freestyle skiing, big air world champion)
Alice Bellandi (judo, world champion –78 kg)
Assunta Scutto (judo, world champion –48 kg)
Luca Curatoli, Michele Gallo, Matteo Neri, Pietro Torre (fencing, men’s sabre world champions, team)
Guillaume Bianchi, Alessio Foconi, Filippo Macchi, Tommaso Marini (fencing, men’s foil world champions, team)
Simone Cerasuolo (swimming, 50 m breaststroke world champion)
Vittoria Bussi (track cycling, world hour record holder)
Elisa Longo Borghini (road cycling, Giro d’Italia winner)
Martina Alzini, Martina Fidanza, Vittoria Guazzini, Federica Venturelli (track cycling, team pursuit world champions)
Yasmina Akrari, Ekaterina Antropova, Carlotta Cambi, Stella Nervini, Loveth Omoruyi, Gaia Giovannini (women’s volleyball world champions)
Simone Anzani, Simone Giannelli, Luca Porro, Roberto Russo, Francesco Sani (men’s volleyball world champions)
Tyra Caterina Grant (tennis, Billie Jean King Cup winner with the National Team)
Mattia Furlani (athletics, long jump world champion)
Luca Chiumento, Giacomo Gentili, Andrea Panizza, Luca Rambaldi (rowing, quadruple sculls world champions)
Riccardo Pianosi (sailing, formula kite world champion)
Massimo Fabbrizi, Alessia Iezzi (shooting, mixed team trap world champions)
Collari d'Oro 2025
Dakar 2026 unveils “Ayo” as official mascot on one-year-to-go mark
- YOG
One year before the opening ceremony, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games present Ayo, the official mascot of the first five-ring event hosted by Africa.
Ayo is a young lion who symbolises the joy and energy of Senegalese youth. The name means “joy” in Yoruba – – and reflects the spirit of celebration and unity associated with the Games. Ayo wears a traditional Fulani Tingandé hat, representing wisdom, dignity and a connection to rural life, Ayo represents the values of Dakar 2026 and highlights the cultural heritage of Senegal as the host nation.
The mascot was unveiled by the YOG Organising Committee, during a special ceremony at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar as part of the celebrations to mark one year to go.
The unveiling was attended by the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry; Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026; and Mamadou D. Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee.
At the One-Year-to-Go ceremony in Dakar, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “These Games represent so much for Africa; they will inspire the next generation and open doors of opportunity across our continent and beyond”.
“Mascot Ayo carries a powerful message of joy and breaks many boundaries, a true symbol of how young and dynamic our continent is. Every day, new opportunities are opening up for Senegal’s youth, and these Games are making that happen. I can’t wait to be back here a year from now to celebrate together”.
The mascot was selected through a nationwide competition launched by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education. Open to middle and secondary school students, the competition received more than 500 entries from across all 16 academic inspectorates in Senegal. The initiative was aimed at promoting creativity among young people and strengthening their connection to the Games in the lead-up to the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.
In addition to the mascot launch, the “One Year to Go” celebrations will include the unveiling of the official countdown clock later today, at 6.30 p.m. local time, in the heart of the Senegalese capital by Worldwide Olympic Partner OMEGA.
Celebrations will continue in early November with the fourth and final edition of Dakar en Jeux, the annual cultural and sports festival that has become a central feature of the Dakar 2026 engagement programme. Taking place from 4 to 9 November across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, the festival will bring together local communities through sport, music and visual arts, while continuing to promote the Olympic values among young people across Senegal.
The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together 2,700 of the world’s best young athletes aged up to 17. The Games will be held across three host sites in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
‘Road to Milano Cortina 2026, -100’: the figures leading up to the Games and the Casa Italia MUSA project unveiled. Buonfiglio: “We want to be protagonists”
- AT TRIENNALE MILANO
Inspiration, emotion, ambition. The timeless allure of the five rings casting its magic through the beauty and tradition of our country. The ‘100 days to go’ milestone before the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 – the fourth edition ever hosted in Italy – provided the opportunity to present the contents of a new chapter in sporting history.
At the “Road to Milano Cortina 2026 – 100 Days” event held at the Triennale Milano, CONI illustrated the activities, initiatives and projects developed in anticipation of the eagerly awaited event, while also revealing the main features shaping the concept of the hospitality house designed for the occasion.
The gathering – attended by officials, athletes, partners, media and other stakeholders – was opened by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, who said: “It’s a deeply moving moment, as I have the honour of representing Italian sport and experiencing this incredible journey towards the Games. I’m grateful to those who led the movement before me, mindful that athletes are at the heart of everything, supported by managers, coaches, doctors and many other professionals. I’m delighted that we are giving proper value to what has been achieved, as in this instance. CONI, the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, the Government, Federations, and military sports groups are all working together in the name of one Nation. We are acting as a team, leaving nothing to chance, focusing on every detail and striving to crown a four-year cycle of effort. I’m certain we’ll witness a spectacular event and do our utmost to be successful protagonists. My thanks go to engineer Boeri for hosting us at the Triennale. Our sporting goal is to improve on the 17 podiums achieved in Beijing”.
CONI General Secretary and Chef de Mission Carlo Mornati provided an overview of the sporting scenario, highlighting the strengths and the health of the movement: “The Road to has been a tradition since 2016. We launch the claim and share the journey that is leading us to the Games, thanks to the invaluable work of all CONI assets – from the Olympic Preparation Centres to the Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, and the departments involved. Milano Cortina has a special charm; we truly feel like protagonists. For the first time, CONI has played a unique role: under President Malagò’s leadership, we’ve brought together multiple regions under one dual identity. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Compared to Beijing, we’ll have one more sport, with the number of events rising from 109 to 116, and with new mixed-gender events to further promote gender equality. We’ll compete in five clusters – Milan, Cortina, Anterselva, Valtellina and Val di Fiemme – iconic venues as outlined in the bid dossier. We come from Beijing, our second-best edition ever after Lillehammer, and we aim to improve our medal tally. Projections place us eighth, with one more medal than four years ago. Competitiveness has grown sharply in the last four years, as has the number of participating nations (+65% compared with Lillehammer 1994). The competitiveness of the Italia Team has increased by 240% compared to Vancouver 2010, with an Olympic Index up by 77% compared to 2012 in the Winter programme. We’ll be competing in every event except six, with over 200 athletes – our largest team ever. The numbers are very encouraging. There are many ways to assess a sporting movement, but we’re proud of the work done with the support of FISI, FISG and all the stakeholders involved. The real challenge is demographic decline: between 1992 and 2004, we lost 4.2 million potential athletes – a figure that deserves serious reflection for the future”.
Alessio Palombi, Head of Olympic Preparation, added: “It’s been a demanding four-year period. CONI has done its best to support the work of the Federations. The Olympic Preparation Centres have played a key role in optimising preparation and offering opportunities for physical and scientific testing. Compared with the previous cycle, there has been a 25% increase in the allocation of performance bonuses. Junior scholarships have also grown, helping to close the gap in the transition to the senior category, thanks in part to Olympic Solidarity. Many projects have supported athletes of Olympic interest, especially in technology and competition equipment – overall, nearly four million euros have been invested in Olympic preparation. In line with Paris, we’re confirming medal bonuses: €180,000 for gold, €90,000 for silver and €60,000 for bronze. Each cluster will have its own operational team, working autonomously. CONI’s structure will be efficient and essential in ensuring full representation for the Federations and their needs. For accommodation, we’ll make full use of the three Villages, also relying on nearby facilities depending on location. Transport operations will be centralised to manage transfers efficiently”.
Giampiero Pastore, Head of the Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, explained: “Medicine and Science work in close synergy with the Federations’ staff. A total of 319 medical examinations have been carried out on potential Olympians since CONI resumed control of the two areas. We’ll be present in all competition clusters with doctors and physiotherapists. The Sport Science department provides technical and scientific support – we’ve followed about 200 athletes who will compete in 10 of the 16 sports on the programme, through specific projects. Professionals will coordinate these activities during the Games as well. During the event, students from the second edition of CONI’s Olympic Management course will undertake their unforgettable internship”.
Following the technical presentation came the focus on hospitality.
Secretary General Carlo Mornati introduced the theme: “Casa Italia began in Los Angeles 1984. It has evolved over time into an hospitality house that accompanies the Italia Team and serves as a small media factory for sponsors and stakeholders, ensuring an unforgettable Olympic experience. The Triennale in Milan, Galleria Farsetti in Cortina and the Aquagranda venue in Livigno will showcase the best of Italy through the MUSA project. There will be many social and cultural moments enriching those special days”.
Lorenzo Pellicelli, Head of Marketing, provided further detail: “My thanks go to everyone present – athletes and partners supporting Casa Italia. The most important thing is that we’re self-funding through private support. We recently visited Los Angeles, the site of the first Casa Italia in 1984: today that place is still called Italy, a commercial hub that has kept its roots. Casa Italia creates value; we amplify the message that defines us. It’s a growth path that began in Rio 2016, building an identity that has become a heritage for CONI. It’s the gateway to discovering our country. This time, the paradigm is reversed: we’re the hosts. For the first time, Casa Italia will be open to the public – thanks to the Triennale for enabling this opportunity. The same will happen in Livigno, while Cortina will follow the traditional model due to space limits. We’ll be at the heart of the Games, proud to welcome anyone wanting to activate their projects in our setting, which will blend sport and culture. The theme will be MUSA – Italy that inspires the world: a journey through our excellence – from culture to art, cuisine and technology – culminating in the ‘station of sport’. Art and sport interact, as De Coubertin taught us. In Milan, thanks to the International Olympic Committee, we’ll stage an exhibition celebrating the Olympic spirit. The Galleria Farsetti in Cortina is a true gem – a lounge for sharing sport with its protagonists. With the support of the Municipality, we’ll make use of the outdoor areas, in a truly iconic location facing the Tofane. We don’t want to alter the site’s identity. Esselunga will be the driving force behind the food offer. Livigno will be the liveliest hub – a place for celebration and sharing the Games’ excitement with all nations. Medal celebrations will be held outdoors. Three sustainable Casa Italia venues, with an estimated 45,000 visitors, all interconnected and simultaneously sharing experiences”.
At the Triennale, attendees included ice dancers Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri – preparing for their fourth Olympic appearance – and members of the women’s ice hockey team led by Laura Fortino, dual citizen of Italy and Canada, and gold medallist at Sochi and silver medallist at PyeongChang 2018 with Team Canada.
The Italia Team aims to live another Olympic dream – wide awake.
Road to Milano Cortina 2026 Presentation
A 100 giorni dai Giochi il CONI traccia alla Triennale la "Road to Milano Cortina 2026"
The podiums of Milano Cortina 2026: symbols of design, inclusion and sustainability
- UNVEILED IN MILAN
There are exactly one hundred days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. During the event, Raffaella Paniè, Director of Brand Identity and Look of the Games at Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, and Fabio Coppola, Head of Olympics and Paralympics Italy at Procter & Gamble (P&G), unveiled the official podiums for Milano Cortina 2026.
Created by Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 in collaboration with the Cavaletti + Pagliariccio studio, the podiums combine contemporary design with Italian craftsmanship, embodying the identity of this edition through colour gradients and shades that highlight its dynamism and visual identity.
The project stands out for a number of key features, simplicity, modularity, uniqueness and dynamism, guiding principles that have inspired not only the design of the podiums, but the entire system of objects and sets created for the Victory Ceremonies. Crafted from wood and metal, the podiums are designed to adapt to different disciplines, both individual and team events, with the capacity to accommodate up to ten athletes per medal. They are fully accessible, featuring ramps and anti-fall curbs, to meet the needs of Paralympic athletes.
Furthermore, as part of the ‘Campioni Ogni Giorno’ (Champions Every Day) initiative, P&G, global sponsor of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC), together with Esselunga and Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, will commit to giving the podiums a second life. At the end of Esselunga's Amici di Scuola e dello Sport (Friends of School and Sport) campaign, amateur sports clubs that promote inclusive sporting activities will be selected and assigned an official podium, with the aim of allocating at least one to each of the regions where Esselunga operates.
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