Mattarella embraces the world of sport: exciting ceremony at the CONI

The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, today visited the CONI headquarters for a meeting with the world of sport in the fascinating and suggestive setting created in the area in front of the Stadio dei Marmi. This was a historical “first”: no Head of State had in fact ever before visited the headquarters of the Italian National Olympic Committee.

Playing host was the President of the CONI, Giovanni Malagò who welcomes the Head of State together with the Minister of Sport, Luca Lotti, and the President of the Italian Paralympics Committee, Luca Pancalli.

Taking part in the event were the presidents of the National Sports and Paralympics Federations, of the Associated Sports Disciplines, of the Associazioni Benemerite (Praiseworthy Associations), of the Sports Promotion Bodies, of the Regional Committees, and numerous athletes of both the present and past.

Participants included Olympic athletes Elia Viviani (Cycling) and Niccolo Campriani (shooting) Diana Bacosi (Shooting), Fabrizio Donato (Athletichs), Matteo Castaldo (Rowing), Marta Pagnini (Ggymnastic), Luigi Busà (Karate), Gabriele Detti (Swimming), Francesca Piccinini (Volleyball), Riccardo De Luca (Pentathlon), Mirco Scarantino (Weightlifting), Margherita Granbassi (Fencing), Valentina Marchei (Ice Sports), Francesca Lollobrigida (Roller Sports), Filippo Volandri (Tennis), Claudia Mandia (Archery), Alessandro Fabian (Triathlon), Flavia Tartaglini (Sailing), Veronica Yoko Plebani (Canoe Kayak), Anika Niederwieser (Handball), Yuri Farneti (Squash), Alessia Mesiano (Boxing), Luca Marziani (Equestrian Sports), Giacomo Redondi (motorcycling), Alberino Pascale (Federation of Hunting and Sporting Weapons), Alessia Zecchini (Federation of Sport Fishing and Underwater), Gianluca Formicone (Bowling Federation), Rosario Maddaloni (Badminton), Letizia Ingrosso (Dance Sport), Erika Piancastelli (Basebal Softball), Renato Paratore (Golf), Chiara Colantoni (Table Tennis), Davide Spinosa (Taekwondo), Dalila Mirabella (Hockey), Thomas Degasperi (Ski and Wakeboarding Federation), Sara Gama (Football), Fabio Andolfi (Automobil Club), Giorgio Bracci (Rugby), Renato Molinari (Powerboat), Alex Righetti (Basket), Sofia Goggia (Winter Sports Federation), a group of athletes from the Associated Sports Disciplines, and representatives of Athletes and Coaches belonging to the National Council.

Other participants included Raffaello Leonardo (Rowing), Daniele Lupo (Volleyball), Clemente Russo (Boxing) and a delegation of Walk of Fame athletes: Lea Pericoli, Nino Benvenuti, Giacomo Agostini, Gianni Rivera, Dino Meneghin, Gabriella Dorio, Patrizio Oliva, Ezio Gamba, Mauro Numa, Carmine Abbagnale, Giuseppe Abbagnale, Giuseppe Di Capua, Alessandro Campagna, Josefa Idem, Novella Calligaris, Giorgio Lamberti, Jury Chechi, Stefano Baldini, Domenico Fioravanti, Maurizio Damilano, Armin Zoeggeler, Paola Pigni, Nicola Pietrangeli and Abdon Pamich and for the Paralympics world Alex Zanardi, Bebe Vio, Valerio Taras, Tiziano Capitani, Paul Eghaghe Osarobomwen Iyobo, Andrea Lanfri, Marco Ferrazza, Chiara Coltri, Simone Ianiro and Davide Bendotti. Giampiero Ventura, representing the Italian National Soccer Coaches, and Gianlorenzo Blengini, for the Italian national volleyball squad.

Tokyo 2020 event programme to see major boost for female participation, youth and urban appeal

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today approved the event programme for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The decision marks a key milestone in the evolution of the Olympic programme by introducing youth and urban innovations, significantly improving gender equality, and reducing the overall number of athletes hence reducing the Games’ footprint.

Commenting on the decision, IOC President Thomas Bach said “The fascinating new events that we approved today, together with the five new sports that were added to the Tokyo 2020 programme last year, represent a step-change in the Olympic programme. I am delighted that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will be more youthful, more urban and will include more women”, Bach added.

The EB decision will lead to a net increase of 15 events, an overall reduction of 285 athletes from Rio 2016, and the highest representation of female athletes in Olympic history. In Tokyo, the number of mixed events will double from nine in Rio 2016 to 18. All new events will make use of existing venues.

Today’s decision is a significant step towards achieving the 50 per cent gender balance at the Olympic Games in both athletes and events, as clearly stated by Olympic Agenda 2020.

Four new International Federations (IFs) will move to gender-balanced in events for the first time (Canoe, Rowing, Shooting and Weightlifting). In terms of athletes, six IFs will move to gender balance for the first time (Canoe, Judo, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting and Weightlifting). At discipline level, gender balance is achieved in BMX Racing, Mountain Bike and Freestyle Wrestling.

The programme also includes youth-focused and urban-based additions such as Basketball 3x3 and BMX Freestyle, on top of Sport Climbing and Skateboarding. Basketball 3x3 was a successful innovation at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2010 and Nanjing 2014. Sport Climbing and Skateboarding were proposed along with Baseball/Softball, Karate, and Surfing by Tokyo 2020 last year.

The next edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games, which will take place in Buenos Aires in October 2018, will already feature BMX Freestyle, Karate and Sport Climbing as well as several new innovative urban sports such as Breakdance and Roller Sports.

The review process for the Tokyo 2020 programme started in Rio 2016, where comprehensive data were collected for the first time at event level, giving IFs unparallelled insight into the overall performance of their sports, disciplines and events at the Olympic Games. Concurrently, IFs were invited to submit their requests for changes to their events, athlete quotas and competition formats to the IOC by February 2017.

Having reviewed the proposals in full, the Olympic Programme Commission met on 5 May and made a number of recommendations to the IOC EB. Based on these recommendations, the EB took the following decision regarding new events in Tokyo:

Tokyo 2020 was consulted throughout the process and gave its agreement on the principles applied to the review of all events. Together with the IOC, it was agreed that there should be minimal impact on additional venues and athletes, and on the overall competition schedule.

The EB today also approved the recommendations of the Programme Commission with regard to the athlete numbers by sport - as follows:

Special accessibility plan for Cortina 2021 presented. Malagò: “an opportunity for the sport and for these valleys”

Improving accessibility with increased comfort and safety for drivers on trunk road 51 “di Alemagna” and trunk road 52 “Carnica”. These are the goals of the NARC Investment Plan for the Alpine World Ski Championships in Cortina in 2021.  The plan, unveiled today by the President of NARC, Gianni Vittorio Armani, in the presence of Minister for Sport Luca Lotti, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Graziano Delrio, the President of the Cortina 2021 Foundation, Alessandro Benetton, the President of the INOC, Giovanni Malagò, the President of the IWSF, Flavio Roda, involves a total investment of 242 million euros and is entirely funded by the NARC - Mit 2016-2020 Programme Contract for 142 million euros and by the Stability Act 2017, which authorised a total expenditure of 100 million euros (20 million/year from 2017 to 2021).

“The actions we have decided upon, for which planning is ongoing,” said Armani, “constitute a series of measures aimed at increasing the usability of the roads leading to Cortina in view of the increase of traffic flow for the world ski championships. The works are aimed at raising the overall level of service of the national road network in the province of Belluno, with the ultimate goal of offering greater fluidity of traffic, as well as increased levels of safety and comfort for drivers”.  The complex process of drafting the plan, valued at €172 million for trunk road 51 “di Alemagna”, was accompanied by a continuous discussion with local authorities in the area to identify shared solutions, in order to increase the environmental sustainability of the road, aiming to promote the different built-up areas it crosses.

The solutions proposed will appear regularly along the stretch of road between Pian di Vedoia and the Cimabanche Pass, and aim to facilitate the creation of four branches going through the built-up areas (Tai di Cadore, Valle di Cadore, San Vito di Cadore and Zuell), worth about 30 million euros each, that will greatly improve traffic safety and the quality of the area. These will be local branches of the road in close proximity to the built-up areas that do not cut out the local attractions, but rather represent opportunities for promotion. In addition to the works planned for trunk road 51 “di Alemagna”, design possibilities are being evaluated by NARC, valued at 70 million euros, aimed at improving the technical functioning of trunk road 52 “Carnica”, which is an important part of the system of accessibility for Cortina d'Ampezzo.

“The Plan being presented”, said Minister Lotti, “is a fundamental part of the Cortina 2021 project, which aims to make it feasible and fully achievable to hold a very high-level championship in terms of safety and environmental protection. The alpine world ski championships can become a driving force for the economy and an engine of growth and promotion of the area”.

Minister Delrio stressed that the government wants to support the areas in question with dedicated resources and through NARC to ensure, “in constant dialogue with the local authorities, useful connections capable of handling a global event. Connections that will, of course, be an asset for all citizens and for the tourists that the area wishes to attract”.  “Cortina is an important event, and we must bear in mind that if Cortina wins, the Veneto and the country win too. To be perfectly honest, we would prefer to be further along with the works, as we have experienced some delays. I therefore have two appeals to make: one is not to waste time, the second is that only together can we win. We must work hard to make this a great event and have the courage to dream”, said Alessandro Benetton, President of the Cortina 2021 Foundation.

President Malagò, after having underlined the fundamental role of the Italian Winter Sports Federation in mountain sports, added: “The world ski championships in Cortina 2021 are an opportunity to give a boost to the sport and to these valleys". Legislative Decree 50/2017 of last 24 April also nominated, for the construction of the Road system enhancement plan in preparation for the Cortina 2021 World Ski Championships, a representative for the Government Commissioner, namely the President of NARC, Gianni Vittorio Armani.

Raffaella Masciadri and Kelum Asanka Perera appointed President and Vice President of the Athletes' Commission

The National Athletes' Commission gathered today in the Sala Giunta to elect its highest authorities. The first official act of the new four-year turn has been attended by CONI's President Giovanni Malagò, General Secretary Roberto Fabbricini, Vice General Secretary and Olympic Preparation Manager Carlo Mornati, Vice President Alessandra Sensini along with IOC members Ivo Ferriani and Manuela Di Centa (honorary member), former President of the Athletes' Commission Marco Durante and former Vice President Raffaello Leonardo, who was yesterday appointed as President of NADO ITALIA's Drug Test Commission. 

'Open Goal': Malagò, the Canadian Premier Trudeau, Pallotta and Saputo put integration in the net

A kick against intolerance and racism, with football as a means of integration. The match staged in the Olympic Stadium in Rome was much more than a friendly mixed team game between Fiorentina Women's Football Club and Liberi Nantes, a squad of young migrants and refugees. Rather it was a fine example of fraternity and friendship under the banner of sport.

"Run for your dreams, become a torchbearer”: chance to fly to Pyeongchang 2018 for 10 Italians

The Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics are approaching and the Italian athletes have begun to prepare for the Olympic season which will see them compete in Korea in February and live the Olympic dream. However, our athletes will not be the only ones flying to Asia. In fact, Samsung Italia, in collaboration with the Pyeongchang 2018 Organising Committee, has organised the contest “Corri per il sogno, diventa tedoforo” – “Run for your dreams, become a torchbearer” – (official link here) that will allow 10 people to run 200 metres of the Olympic torch relay, which will start on the 1st of November, 100 days before the start of the actual event.

The torch, – which will be lit in Olympia, Greece, on the 24th of October, will be handed to the Organising Committee on the 31st of October and will be carried through 17 metropolitan cities and national provinces for 101 days, highlighting Korea’s technologies and traditional culture and some of the most spectacular locations of the world. 

“Let everyone shine” is the slogan chosen for the Olympic Torch, a slogan that can be made their own by the lucky winners of the contest picked by a special judging panel among the many who will send a text of 300 words (it can also be presented via audio or video), in which they will describe themselves in relation to a dream that could improve people’s lives or an already fulfilled dream that served as an inspiration and a motivation to other people.

7,500 torchbearers will run the Olympic relay, along with 2,018 supporting torchbearers. 10 of them will be able to do it by explaining their dreams.

Milan fixes a date with the IOC for 2019: commission satisfied. Malagò: proud of the project

Milan waved off the IOC delegation and legitimated the soundness of its ambitions. The inspection visit came to a close today of the Executive members of the International Olympic Committee, Ser Miang Ng (Singapore) and Willi Kaltschmitt Lujan (Guatemala) – accompanied by two officials appointed by President Thomas Bach – to assess the candidacy of the Lombardy capital as location for the 2019 Olympic Session. The final decision will be taken during the course of the meeting of the International Olympic Committee scheduled for September in Lima.

The current tour included meetings with the Prefect of Milan, Luciana Lamorgese and with the Police Commissioner of Milan, Marcello Cardona, as well as an inspection of the Mi.Co. (Milan Congress Centre), the Sala delle Cariatidi and the Last Supper, locations functional to the candidacy project, as indicated in the dossier presented on 15th March last to the IOC. The Assessment Commission was accompanied by the President of the CONI, Giovanni Malagò, by the Secretary General, Roberto Fabbricini, by the Vice Secretary General, Carlo Mornati, and by the dossier project leader, Diana Bianchedi.

The morning started with a visit to the Mi.Co. where Roberto Daneo, in charge of preparing the dossier, illustrated the contents and the strong points of the candidacy, with further details provided by Paolo Peroni, Sales Department Fiera Milano. The delegation was able to visit the areas of the facility to be assessed in accordance with the session requirements that have to be met.

The group was subsequently received by Prefect, Luciana Lamorgese and Police Commissioner, Marcello Cardona. Taking part in the meeting were also the Head of the Municipal Security Department, Carmela Rozzano, the Provincial Commander of the Carabinieri Col. Canio Giuseppe La Gala and the Provincial Commander of the Guardia di Finanza Gen. B. Paolo Kalenda.

Malagò praised the two institutional representatives as a guarantee of absolute credibility and security, and also recalled their sports backgrounds. Ser Miang Ng said he had much appreciated Milan from a planning viewpoint and also expressed his confidence in the city as regards security aspects, considering the successful outcome of events organized over the previous two years. According to the IOC member, Milan too would reap major economic benefits.  

During the meeting, the Prefect and the leading exponents of the provincial police forces illustrated the security measures normally put in place in the case of events of international importance, during which the participation of Heads of State and relative delegations also calls for the implementation of measures at diplomatic and ceremonial level.

Milan has in fact had similar experiences in the past: the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in October 2014 and the entire Expo six-month period represent a reference model which exemplifies how the Municipality of Milan and the police forces are ready to host and perfectly manage the 2019 Olympic session. Police Commissioner Cardona said just how excited the city was about having this chance to host the IOC session, and recalled the extensive endeavours – in terms of security – undertaken to organize the incident-free final of the Champions League and other sports events. He also emphasized that a team will be organized to take care of the administrative operations of the delegations from all over the world, catering to the various requests made through the CONI representative. City alderman, Rozza said just how honoured the city was to be able to host large events of this kind, seeing them as a great opportunity for growth.

The group then proceeded to visit some of the most symbolic sites of the city including the beautiful architectural features of the Sala delle Cariatidi in the Royal Palace and of the Cathedral, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The day closed with a press conference in the Armani Silos.

Malagó (photo Filippo Gabutti-GMT) expressed his enthusiasm for a visit full of positive reactions: “These have been two very busy days and ones which have proved to be highly positive: I should like to thank the mayor, Giuseppe Sala and Governor Roberto Maroni. I speak as a man of sport; I often come to Milan and am proud to be represented by people of their standing. The two IOC members with us today are officials of outstanding importance. They came to Milan to share two pleasant days with us, but because we are well acquainted with their moral integrity, we also know that they will give nothing away when it comes to making their assessment. Hence, I feel like committing myself to some extent. We have offered a textbook example and shown unity of purpose at all levels. We have not shown ourselves desirous of being at the centre of attention. I wish to thank Diana Bianchedi and the entire work team, the IOC officials, Carlo Mornati and all those who helped us make a good impression. I am proud about the work done. We are envied for our elegance and for this we must also thank Giorgio Armani for the hospitality and touch of class he provides. Milan 2019 represents a fine opportunity for the city with major repercussions in terms of growth and tourism".

The words of mayor Gala also echoed the same satisfaction and ambition. "Thank you all for what you have done. Milan loves to build up its present and future on major events. I shall be in Lima to sustain this project and I have never denied that we should love to host the Olympic Games. Our experience of the Expo has only just ended and all I can do is thank those who dedicated us their attention, in the hope that we were able to live up to their expectations and that we will not betray the trust which I hope will be placed in us". Governor Roberto Maroni extended the speech to the Region. "I am pleased to see that Milan and Lombardy are within the horizons of the IOC, and also to see that we are part of a world of excellence like that of sport, inasmuch as a place of special values – of a training and educational nature. I too will be in Lima to celebrate what I hope will be our nomination…and so we’ll see". 

The point of view of the IOC Commission was expressed by Ser Niang Ng. "We were given a truly warm welcome and have been able to ascertain just how strong Milan’s project is. We have much appreciated the cultural and architectural aspects which complete the offer and integrate the sports context. The CONI is a very strong component of the Olympic movement and we are very satisfied with our visit and the beautiful facilities, as well as with the hospitality of the various institutional components". The visit ended with handshakes all round which very much points to investiture. In the Armani Silos, the Italian flag flies proudly, a symbol of excellence, like that of a sports environment which wants to project in the world an image of Italy at its very best.

Sala, Maroni and Malagò receive the inspection delegation. "Strong project"

Welcome, with sights set on 2019. Milan opens the doors to the IOC: an inspection visit to the Lombardy capital started today to evaluate the candidacy to host the Olympic Session scheduled in two years time. The President of the CONI, Giovanni Malagò, together with the Secretary General, Roberto Fabbricini, the Deputy Secretary General and Olympic Training Manager, Carlo Mornati, and dossier project leader, Diana Bianchedi, welcomed the two Executive members of the International Olympic Committee, Ser Miang Ng (Singapore) and Willi Kaltschmitt Lujan (Guatemala), accompanied by two IOC officials appointed by President Thomas Bach for this assignment.

The delegation's tour started from the Scala Theatre, universally recognized as one of the world’s top opera theatres: playing host was Superintendent, Alexander Pereira, who illustrated - together with marketing director, Lanfranco Li Cauli, - the strong points of this symbolic building and invited the guests to visit the stage named after the great orchestral conductor, Arturo Toscanini, the artist who returned the theatre to music in 1946 after the bombing of 15 August 1943, and then the Museum’s Esedra Hall. The visit ended in the famous “loggione” and gallery, where the guests were able to enjoy a part of the "Hendel Project" show.

The IOC members, together with the Lausanne officials, after the impressive start to their Milan tour, were received by Mayor Giuseppe Sala, and by the Head of the Department for Sport, Tourism and Quality of Life, Roberta Guaineri. President Malagò said just how proud Italian sport was for this magnificent opportunity, recalling the crucial crossroads of the Lima session for the assignment of the candidacy and the decisive collaboration between the Municipality, the Region and the CONI for its success, without forgetting the importance of Milan as a city with a strong sporting vocation, and with the added value represented by the headquarters of the Federations in via Piranesi. Mayor Sala, after an exchange of gifts (photo by Filippo Gabutti GMT), praised the city's international spirit and the passion of its inhabitants for big events, mentioning - among others - last year's Champions League soccer final and the Giro d’Italia cycle race – including because of the opportunities they can offer. The Mayor also underscored the city’s great dedication to voluntary work and the efforts made to ensure security, underlining that Milan is sensitive to the appeal and fascination of the Olympic event and ready to honour the opportunity represented by the 2019 IOC session.

Ser Miang Ng and Willy Kaltschmitt Lujan, on their part, thanked the Municipality and the CONI for their efforts in making the bid and recalled the importance of the 2019 session, scheduled to assign the location of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

A short walk to admire the city’s architectural sites, including the Vittorio Emanuele II gallery and the Cathedral, was a prelude to the arrival of the delegation at the headquarters of the Lombardy Region, where it was welcomed by Governor Roberto Maroni and the Head of the Department of Sport and Olympic canoer, Antonio Rossi. On the 39th floor, with breathtaking views in the background, Malagò added a few words to what he had already said in the City Hall, highlighting Lombardy as the cradle of sport in its most qualified sense and also recalling Maroni's endeavours not only to safeguard the Formula One Grand Prix of Monza, but also in favour of the overall growth of competitive sport and of the management of major sports events. Maroni said how proud he was and expressed his intention to do all he possibly could to make the candidacy a success. The IOC members on the other hand extended their congratulations for the compactness of the bid, which is backed by solid institutional support, and said they looked forward to meeting again at the Lima session. Also taking part in the meeting was the Chairman of the Lombardy Regional Committee of the CONI, Oreste Perri. The day ended in Cornaredo, with a dinner prepared by chef Oldani. Tomorrow is the last day of the visit: another series of major appointments to discover the other beautiful parts of the city and get to know other institutional representatives, ready to play their part in this adventure called Milan 2019.

EOC celebrates peace and unity at official ceremony of Györ EYOF 2017

An official ceremony marking the final stage in the journey to the 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) took place in Rome today, as the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Hungarian Olympic Committee, and Györ EYOF 2017 Organising Committee came together to celebrate the peace and unity which will be showcased throughout the event.

The ceremony took place at the historic Ara Pacis Museum – home to the ninth century Ara Pacis altar which is dedicated to peace. The milestone event was attended by up to 100 senior European delegates including EOC Acting President Janez Kocijančič; President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) Giovanni Malago; IOC Member Mario Pescante; ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti; and EOC Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi. Representatives from Hungary included President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee Krisztian Kulcsar; and Zsolt Borkai, President of the Györ EYOF 2017 Organising Committee and Mayor of Györ.

During the ceremony, the Acting President Kocijančič presented President Kulcsar with The Dea Pax Golden Olive Tree, to mark the peace and friendship between the two organisations. The Olive Tree was considered sacred by Dea Pax, the ancient Goddess of Peace, and the symbolic sculpture, made by the renowned sculptor and goldsmith, Nicola Amato, was designed in homage to these values.

Speaking during the ceremony, EOC Acting President Janez Kocijančič said:

“It is a great honour to have the privilege to stage the first official ceremony for the European Youth Olympic Festival here in this amazing Roman temple dedicated to peace. Our basic idea was to bring together the ideas of peace and youth. Peace and the Olympic Values should be core attributes in young people and we need to do all we can to promote that.

“The EYOF was established by the former IOC President Jacques Rogge more than a quarter of a century ago as he recognised the importance of investing in youth. Europe is the leading continent in world sport but to maintain this we have to make sure we continue to invest time and resources in our young people. EYOF provides young people with invaluable experience to become the future glory of Europe.”

The torch of the EYOF, which will burn in Györ’s ETO FC Stadium throughout the festival, was also lit during the ceremony. Five distinguished Hungarian athletes presented the torch to Acting President Kocijančič who in turn presented it to President Borkai, as a symbol of the sacred fire which lights the spirits of the young athletes. The torch and the Olive Tree will now be taken to Györ where they will remain until the end of the festival before returning to the EOC headquarters in Rome.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of CONI, Giovanni Malago said:

“It is a real pleasure to be here in Rome, in this unique place to host the ceremony for the European Youth Olympic Festival. The journey for the EYOF has officially begun and we look forward to taking part it in the festival in July. I am sure Györ will host a fantastic event.”

President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee Krisztian Kulcsar added:

“On behalf of the Hungarian Olympic Committee it is a great privilege to be here in Rome to receive the Oliver Tree and EYOF torch and to take it back with us to Hungary. As NOC President my most important role is to spread the values of Olympism and strengthen the Olympic Movement. For our young athletes, the EYOF 2017 will be their first experience of a multi-sport event, their first experience of enjoying the atmosphere of the athletes’ village and their first experience of supporting and cheering on their compatriots from other sports. It is one of the most important events for young athletes and will form the basis of their future careers.”

President of the Györ EYOF 2017 Organising Committee and Mayor of Györ, Borkai Zsolt, concluded:

“We have been waiting six years for this moment to come. We committed ourselves to hosting the event in 2011 and since then we have been working hard to make the event as successful as possible. The EYOF can develop a generation who represent the future. In July we could watch the future champions of Europe but even those athletes who do not achieve great success will become ambassadors of sport and healthy lifestyles. In July we’d like to provide an outstanding and unforgettable experience for everyone.”

To conclude the ceremony, the Musicanova choir performed a song composed for the EOC entitled ‘Shine’. The EYOF will shine a light on young athletes throughout Europe and give them an opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage. The new EOC logo and look and feel has also been developed around the concept of a shining diamond made up of 50 pieces representing the 50 NOCs of the Olympic Family of Europe.

IOC and Official Timekeeper OMEGA extend global Olympic partnership to 2032

The announcement was made at The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, by Thomas Bach, IOC President; Nick Hayek, CEO of Swatch Group and Chairman of OMEGA; and Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA. OMEGA is the first Worldwide Olympic Partner to commit to the Olympic Movement through to 2032. The extension marks 100 years since the start of OMEGA's relationship with the Olympic Games, which dates back to the Olympic Games in 1932 in Los Angeles.

The partnership will continue the commitment by OMEGA to provide cutting-edge timing, scoring, and in-venue results system and equipment, which are critical for the success of the Olympic Games.

IOC President Thomas Bach enthusiastically welcomed OMEGA's extended partnership with the IOC: "OMEGA is the world's leader in sports timekeeping, and the extension of our agreement through to 2032 means Olympic athletes will continue to be able to rely on OMEGA's expertise. 2032 is an important milestone, as it will mark 100 years since the Olympic Movement was first able to count on OMEGA's timekeeping solutions."

Nick Hayek, CEO of Swatch Group, said: "The Olympic Games is one of the most emotionally-stirring events in the world, with an Olympic medal as the ultimate sporting dream. Its message of unity through sport is deeply compelling for people everywhere. From whichever media platform available, people tune in and cheer for their favoured athletes. We at OMEGA are honoured, that since 1932 we have been part of creating this emotion by measuring the fractions of a second or the distances that will decide between gold, silver and bronze. We are happy and proud to continue this tradition until 2032, which will mark one hundred years of partnership between OMEGA and the Olympics".

OMEGA has served as Official Timekeeper 27 times, and has developed and introduced the most cutting-edge timekeeping equipment in the world, including the starting pistol, touchpads for swimming and the Scan 'O' Vision MYRIA photofinish camera, which made its Olympic Games debut in Rio and can capture 10,000 digital images per second. Tsunekazu Takeda, the IOC's Marketing Commission Chair, said: "We are delighted that OMEGA has become the first global Olympic Partner to reach an agreement through to 2032. It is also the first time in our long relationship that OMEGA has extended its partnership by 12 years, which underlines the strength of the Olympic Games and the IOC's commercial programmes". (PHOTO CREDIT: IOC)