Euro 2020 opening match at the Olympic stadium in Rome. Malagò: UEFA’s choice is a significant sign
- CONI
Thirty years after the final of the World Championship of 1990, Rome will again host a symbolic match in international football: the opening match of the 2020 European Football Championship. It is a historic occasion, on the 60th anniversary of the continental tournament which will involve 12 European cities. The official announcement was issued today in Nyon after the meeting of the executive committee. Four matches will be played in total, including one of the quarter finals, while London, in addition to the semi-final and the final, will host the four matches that should have been played in Brussels, because of the impossibility of respecting the terms and conditions imposed for the delivery of the new stadium in time for the tournament.
The candidature for the opening match was already included in the file presented by the Italian Football Federation in April 2014. The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, commented proudly on the decision by UEFA: “The Olympic stadium in Rome will have the honour of hosting Euro 2020’s opening match. EUFA’s choice is a significant sign for the stadium and Italian sport generally.”
The pairing of matches to tournament locations, only for the groups Phase, took place during the meeting. Each of the qualifying teams will play at least two matches at home. This is the outline:
Group A) Rome and Baku
Group B) St. Petersburg and Copenhagen
Group C) Amsterdam and Bucharest
Group D) London and Glasgow
Group E) Bilbao and Dublin
Group F) Munich and Budapest
Manuela di Centa Helps to Launch New Series "Legends Live On" from the Olympic Channel
- IN ROME
Beyond the spotlight of the Olympic Games where legends are made, their legacy lives on. In the new Olympic Channel original series, Legends Live On, Olympic heroes show how they are translating their success into careers and inspiring future generations.
Legends Live On premieres today, Friday, 1 December on the Olympic Channel global digital platform, and is available at olympicchannel.com and on its mobile apps. The 10-episode series was produced exclusively for the Olympic Channel by New Moon out of London.
In conjunction with the worldwide digital launch of Legends Live On, a premiere screening took place today in Rome featuring Manuela di Centa, the Italian cross-country skiing legend and honorary IOC Member. The event was hosted by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) at their headquarters to an audience of journalists, local dignitaries and sports influencers as well as her family and coaches.
“I’m convinced that everyone should follow their hearts on their own path, and that drawing on this inner strength can help push you to reach success,” said di Centa, a seven-time Olympic medallist who uses her impressive medal collection to help inspire youth through education. “As a role model, especially to young women in today’s society, it is important to encourage youth to follow their passions to achieve their personal goals. I hope that sharing my story will help to inspire others to keep pushing towards their dreams.”
Following her record-setting career, which saw her compete in five consecutive Winter Olympic Games and the only athlete to achieve five medals at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, di Centa went back to University where she earned a Master’s degree in International Relations and Politics. In addition to her post-athletic career she set her sights on other physical challenges and in 2003 became the first Italian woman to climb Mt. Everest.
In addition to di Centa, Olympic legends featured in the series includes swimmer Ian Thorpe (AUS), who now brings messages of hope to remote communities; beach volleyball player Jackie Silva’s (BRA) efforts to help trouble youth through sports; how Katarina Witt (GER) has translated her ice skating success to helping others; and snowboarder Shaun White (USA), whose superstardom has led to a career in fashion and music and who is looking to compete at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.
Olympic Channel Schedule: Legends Live On
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Date |
Title |
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1 Dec. 2017 |
Episode 1 – Legends Live On: Michael Johnson (USA) |
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Episode 2 – Legends Live On: Manuela di Centa (ITA) |
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Episode 3 – Legends Live On: Jackie Silva (BRA) |
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Episode 4 – Legends Live On: Aleksandr Karelin (RUS) |
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8 Dec. 2017 |
Episode 5 – Legends Live On: Nadia Comaneci (ROU) |
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Episode 6 – Legends Live On: Ian Thorpe (AUS) |
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Episode 7 – Legends Live On: Haile Gebrselassise (ETH) |
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5 Jan. 2018 |
Episode 8 – Legends Live On: Clara Hughes (CAN) |
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12 Jan. 2018 |
Episode 9 – Legends Live On: Katarina Witt (GER) |
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19 Jan. 2018 |
Episode 10 – Legends Live On: Shaun White (USA) |
*Schedule Subject to Change
Manuela Di Centa leggenda vivente per l'Olympic Channel
Janez Kocijančič elected President of the European Olympic Committees, Raffaele Pagnozzi Secretary General
- NIELS NYGAARD VICE PRESIDENT
Janez Kocijančič has been elected permanent President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) by acclamation to replace Patrick Hickey today. Kocijančič, the 76-year-old Slovenian who has served as acting President since August 2016, was uncontested for the position at the body's General Assembly here.Niels Nygaard of Denmark was elected vice-president after securing 27 of 50 possible votes in a two-horse race. Italy's Raffaele Pagnozzi and Kikis Lazarides of Cyprus were also both elected unopposed for the respective secretary general and treasurer roles.
IOC launches Olympic Brand Campaign “Become the Light”
- IOC PARTNERS WITH UNHCR TO BRING SOLAR POWERED LIGHTING SOLUTIONS TO REFUGEE CAMPS
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a new integrated brand campaign, “Become The Light”, that aims to promote the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.
The campaign uses “light” as the symbolic representation of the Olympic values. Through a series of public service announcements, the campaign demonstrates how the inspirational achievements of athletes and the Olympic spirit can motivate people around the world to “Become The Light” and act as beacons of positivity.
Supporting the IOC’s vision of building a better world through sport, the campaign invites participants to make a “donation” of their physical activity, recorded through the Olympic Channel. In keeping with the campaign theme of “light”, the IOC will convert recorded activity into tangible support for refugees, by providing sustainable, solar powered lighting solutions for the Mahama Refugee Camp in Rwanda in cooperation with UNHCR.
“Sport is about building bridges, bringing people together in the spirit of friendship and respect.” said Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee. “In a world of uncertainties, the message that our shared humanity is greater than the forces that divide us is more relevant than ever before. Athletes carry the light and inspire us, giving us all hope that a better world is possible. We are pleased to be able to continue our close cooperation with UNHCR and our support for refugees as part of this campaign.”
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said: “Sport can be a lifeline for young refugees uprooted by conflict and violence, forced to abandon their homes, communities and even their families. Sport restores childhood. It helps to heal and restore a sense of normalcy, offering a safe space where children can grow, learn and develop. By providing sustainable, solar powered lighting in refugee camps, we can boost sport and education opportunities for young refugees.”
The “Become the Light” campaign begins as the world counts down to the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and the Olympic Torch Relay progresses around the host country, the Republic of Korea, with its message of hope and inspiration. The campaign launch follows the adoption of the Olympic Truce Resolution by all UN Member States on 13 November at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Olympic Truce Resolution provides a commitment to support the safe passage of athletes and all participants to the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and promote diplomatic solutions to conflicts around the world, in line with the ancient Greek tradition of the Olympic Truce, “Ekecheiria”.
“As an Olympian, I truly believe athletes have a crucial role to play to inspire the next generation, especially those who share a passion for sport, as sport can unite the world, breaking down barriers and having a positive impact on society,” said Angela Ruggiero, Chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission.
PyeongChang2018 prepared to deliver memorable Olympic Winter Games Experience
- LESS THAN 80 DAYS TO GO UNTIL THE XXIII OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
"Venues are complete, the Olympic Villages are being kitted out, the Olympic Torch Relay is generating excitement for the Games across the Republic of Korea, and I can attest to the convenience of the new KTX high-speed railway. These are just a few of the many ways that preparations are continuing to be delivered ahead of what I am confident will be a memorable event for athletes and fans alike," IOC Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg said following the two-day review.
In addition to the convenient venue clusters set against a backdrop of both mountains and sea – where they will be able to watch the world's best winter athletes compete on snow or ice – Olympic ticket holders will also be able to access the Olympic Park and Plaza, with their mix of cultural activities and exhibits.
The PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG) is also working to ensure spectators have access to updated accommodation and transport information to help facilitate their journeys to the Games, which for ticket holders will include courtesy shuttle buses and exemption from highway toll gate fees en route to PyeongChang.
"The local culture is what makes each Olympic Games so unique," Lindberg continued. "I have no doubt the entire world will appreciate PyeongChang as a destination for winter sport after seeing the beauty of the region and experiencing Korean hospitality. I encourage everyone to come to support their athletes, experience Korean culture, talk to people at the venues and make friends for life."
In the last month, POCOG has focused heavily on building up enthusiasm for the Games with the launch of its official PyeongChang 2018 app, as well as a number of other events and initiatives to engage Korea and the world with these Games. The Olympic Torch Relay also continues to connect the country to the passion of the Games, having passed through more than 20 cities since touching down in Korea.
With facilities now complete, POCOG has turned its attention to testing operational readiness and fine-tuning details to ensure athletes compete on the best fields of play possible.
"We are now only 79 days away from the start of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, and we are ready to welcome the world," said POCOG President Lee Hee-beom. "We have had another very positive and productive Project Review with the IOC this week, and the next few weeks will be a busy and exciting time as we put the finishing touches to our preparations.
"The snow is starting to fall here and we are doing all we can to increase the passion and excitement across the nation to encourage everyone to come and be part of this winter sports extravaganza. It will be the most wonderful showcase of sports and culture that Korea has ever seen, and we invite everyone to buy their tickets and join us in PyeongChang."
The Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 open on 9 February 2018.
Buenos Aires 2018: design a piece of Olympic history!
- YOG
Do you have the talent to create the winning medal design for the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018? Put your creativity to the test and you could win a trip to the Argentinian capital!
Entering is the easy part: go to www.medal-design-competition.com, then find your inspiration and submit your very own design. The competition opens today and runs until 12 January 2018.
The winning design and two runners-up will be selected by a judging panel made up of the Young Change Makers and Young Reporters who have been involved in the YOG since the inaugural Singapore 2010 edition of the Games. Also joining the panel will be IOC members and sporting legends Angela Ruggiero, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and ice hockey Olympic champion, and Li Lingwei, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Buenos Aires 2018 and badminton star.
The winning design will be selected at the end of January 2018, and this will then feature on the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to athletes in Buenos Aires from 6 to 18 October 2018.
In addition to the prestige of creating Olympic history, the winning designer will win a trip to Buenos Aires 2018 to enjoy the Opening Ceremony and witness the awarding of their medals in the sports competitions, as well as a full collection of medals featuring their design for the winner to cherish.
So what are you waiting for? Create a piece of Olympic history and enter your medal design!
Olympic Truce Resolution adopted at the United Nations General Assembly
- PYEONGCHANG 2018
The Olympic Truce Resolution for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games was adopted at the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The resolution – entitled “Sport for Peace and Development: Building a Peaceful and Better World through Sport and the Olympic Ideal” – was formally submitted to the General Assembly on behalf of the Olympic Movement and the PyeongChang 2018 Organizing Committee by the Republic of Korea. It calls for a truce during the Olympic Games to encourage a peaceful environment and ensure safe passage, access and participation for athletes and relevant persons at the Games.
Speaking to the world Assembly, POCOG President LEE Hee-beom said, “The Olympic Truce is about the promotion of peace through sport. “We, Koreans, still remember vividly the wonderful 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. It provided a good opportunity to bring the East and West together, in Seoul, through the Games for peace, harmony and reconciliation. “We hope our joint actions today will lead to a chain reaction for the promotion of peace within the region and beyond. Together we are more powerful than any one of us working alone”.
Following POCOG President LEE Hee-beom’s address to the Assembly, Games Honorary Ambassador and Olympic gold medalist KIM Yuna spoke to the General Assembly sharing her experiences of being an athlete and the power that sport has in bringing nations together. She said, “I first experienced the Olympic spirit when I was 10 years old watching the two Korean delegations walk into the Olympic Stadium together in Sydney. “I firmly believe that the PyeongChang 2018 Games will help spread the message of peace and I am proud to be here today to help tell the world about our vision".
The delegation of the Republic of Korea was joined by three students from Hyun Pung High School in Daegu, who were selected from the winning team of a ‘Peace through Sport’ speech contest earlier this year. Republic of Korea national Para Ice Hockey athlete and Games Ambassador JUNG Seung-hwan also showed his support by joining the historical moment at the UN General Assembly. A special PyeongChang reception will take place this evening at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea in New York to mark the occasion with the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach set to attend the event. He also spoke today at the UN General Assembly and said, “For the athletes that will gather in PyeongChang for the Olympic Winter Games, this resolution will carry a special significance, a deeply personal one. With the Olympic Truce resolution, the United Nation General Assembly is creating the conditions for all athletes to compete in peace. Only the UN Member States can guarantee the athletes a safe passage to the Olympic Games. They make it possible for all the Olympic athletes to realize their dream of a lifetime".
He continued, “The Olympic athletes show the whole world that it is possible to compete with each other while living peacefully together under one roof at the same time". The message of peace and passion for the PyeongChang 2018 Games continues to travel across the host country as the Olympic Torch Relay is now 13 days into its 101-day journey to the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. Celebrating ‘achievers’ and ‘dreamers’ along the way, the 7,500 torchbearers will carry the flame over 2,018km and help raise the excitement and enthusiasm for what will be the greatest celebration of winter sports and culture that Korea has ever seen.
Malagò participates in IOC Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport Commission
- TODAY IN LAUSANNE
The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, took part today in the annual meeting of the IOC Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport Commission held in Lausanne and chaired by IOC member Mario Pescante.
At the centre of the meeting - in which the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, also participated, welcoming the Commission – were the challenges that global sports movement must face ahead of the forthcoming Olympics, starting with the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games (photo: IOC).
Time to ignite the passion for PyeongChang 2018
- WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES
The Greek leg of the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018 came to an end today as the Olympic Flame was officially handed over to the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games delegation at the at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens – site of the inaugural Olympic Games of the modern era.
The handover comes at the end of an eight-day relay across the birthplace of the Olympics, which began in Ancient Olympia on 24 October with Greek skiing champion Apostolos Angelis being the first to carry the Torch. Greek skier Ioannis Proios was given the honour of being the last torchbearer in Greece today before Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos made the official presentation to KIM Ki-hoon, the first Korean to win a gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games.
To create a touch of Korea in Greece, and as is traditional at the handover ceremony, a performance which combined traditional Korean music (gukak) and modern breakdancing captured the audience at the Panathenaic Stadium.
LEE Hee-beom, president of the PyeongChang 2018 Organizing Committee said, “The Olympic Torch Relay will be a very special journey that will ‘Light the Fire Within’ for the dreams and passion towards winter sports in Asia and beyond.
“PyeongChang 2018 will inspire younger generations and deliver the Olympic values of respect, friendship and peace to the world".
The flame was placed in a security lamp before being taken to the airport where it would board a Korean Air flight with the delegation and begin its 12-hour journey to Incheon, Korea.
When the flame lands at Incheon International Airport tomorrow morning (10 am KST), it will mark 30 years since the Olympic Flame was last seen in Korea for the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games. Three decades on and the flame will burn just as brightly as it makes its way across the Republic of Korea to connect the nation around the passion and excitement of the Games. Throughout its 101-day journey to the Olympic Plaza in PyeongChang, presenting partners Coca-Cola, Samsung and KT will be helping to entertain and engage the public as they lead the Torch cavalcade through the towns, cities, mountains and countryside.
The flame will reside in a specially created cauldron that can be seen from both inside and outside the stadium from February 9-25. All ticket holders will have access to the Olympic Plaza to see the flame on the day of their session.
The curtain lifts on the World Cup, Italy’s road to PyeongChang 2018 starts in Sölden
- ALPINE SKIING
The curtain lifts on the Alpine Skiing World Cup as Italy’s road to the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics begins in Sölden.
The first on the Rettenbach glacier will be the Italian athletes in the Women's Giant Slalom tomorrow. Sunday will see the men take on the Austrian slopes.
Eight athletes were invited by head coach Matteo Guadagnini for the start of a season following an all-Italian podium in the ASPEN Finals: Marta Bassino, Luisa Bertani, Elena Curtoni, Irene Curtoni, Jole Galli, Sofia Goggia, Manuela Moelgg and Laura Pirovano. A long list of absentees stands out, including Federica Brignone, Francesca Marsaglia and Nadia Fanchini, all three recovering after a series of injuries and not yet ready to give it their all in a competition as challenging as the one in Austria. In recent days, Brignone has started skiing again for the first time since her return from Argentina. Though the bone oedema to her adductor muscle is on the mend, in agreement with technical staff, she preferred not to take any risks. She will return on top form at the next American giant slalom in Killington on Saturday 25 November.
Previous years in Sölden have seen two Italian victories: Denise Karbon in 2007 (who also came third in 2009) and Brignone in 2015, in addition to Manuela Moelgg's third place in 2010 (holder of most appearances on the Rettenbach) and Deborah Compagnoni’s second and third place positions in 1996 and 1998.
The men’s team has also been decided by sports director Massimo Rinaldi: Giovanni Borsotti, Luca De Aliprandini, Florian Eisath, Simon Maurberger, Manfred Moelgg, Roberto Nani, Dominik Paris and Riccardo Tonetti. In the previous 18 tournaments, Italy has conquered two podiums with Max Blardone’s second place in 2004 and Manfred Moelgg’s second place in 2012. Moelgg will race at Sölden for the 12th time in his career.
Italy will also be the protagonist from an organisational perspective, with the ten Cup stages awarded to our ski resorts. After the debut this weekend, the team will take a week’s break and start again from Finland before travelling to America. They return to Europe on 8 December where the women will take on St. Moritz and the men Val d’Isère.
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