Statement of the National Committee

This morning, CONI’s National Committee held its 1034th meeting which began with the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting of March 10. In his statement Malagò began by announcing that the Onesti Foundation has awarded the 2015 Onesti Award to CIO President, Thomas Bach. Bach will be in Rome to receive the prestigious award, also given in the past to his predecessors Samaranch and Rogge, on May 22. During the course of the day, he will visit the new premises of the Committee for the Promotion of Rome 2024 at the Foro Italico and will attend a lunch with the CIO members and the Italian Presidents of International Federations in Acqua Acetosa which hosts the Centro di Preparazione Olimpica (Olympic training centre) named after the same Giulio Onesti. Malagò then informed the Committee of a series of issues relating to sports policies: the governing Authority has recognized an allowance to the Federal Presidents for 2015, Vice Secretary General Carlo Mornati was nominated Head of Mission of the Baku 2015 European Games and the Rio Olympic Games 2016, it was acknowledged that the Federazione Italiana Hockey will conclude its receivership phase in May with the elective Assembly, the same applies also to CONI’s Regional Committees of Lombardia and Calabria which will hold elections on May 23 and June 6 respectively.

The issue of violence in football stadiums was debated at length and President Malagò said he is waiting to meet with Interior Minister Alfano and the leading actors in the world of football. The Stella d’Oro (Golden Star) for sports achievements was awarded to the President of the Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports, Vittorio Orlandi. Malagò then announced that the “Walk of Fame” of Italian sports will be inaugurated on May 7, with the first 100 legends immortalized in remembrance slabs along the Viale delle Olimpiadi. The recent agreements signed with Alitalia and with the Ministry of Defense were highlighted, as also a report on CONI’s presence at the SportAccord meeting in Sochi. It was decided that, on the government’s request, on May 24, there will be a minute’s silence in all sports events in memory of those killed in the First World War (1915). Yesterday, Federnuoto (swimming federation) delivered a report to CONI with the counter deductions on CONI’s Audit which will be discussed in the meeting of May 19. The new Olympic Club for winter sports has been defined in view of the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. The next National Committee meeting will be held in Milan on July 2 within the EXPO event and amongst those invited to attend are the Mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino, the President of Roma 2024, Luca di Montezemolo and the candidacy staff. The Committee acknowledged and appreciated the report by the Corte dei Conti (State Auditors Department) on CONI for the year 2013 which expressed positive judgments on the administration on the latter.

Furthermore it was informed about the Decree of the Ministry of Finance published on the Gazzetta Ufficiale which assigned to Coni Servizi some of the premises adjacent to the Parco del Foro Italico. CONI’s financial statements for 2014 were then examined and deliberated for approval by the National Committee, and show a substantially balanced economic result (+ €1 million), in line with that of the previous year. The production value is equal to €437.6 million, of which the main components are represented by public resources (€413.2 m, - €6 m with respect to 2013), by commercial revenues from the exploitation of the CONI brand (€6m + €2.2 m with respect to 2013, an increase connected to the Sochi 2014 projects and CONI’s centenary, which at the same time entailed greater costs), by revenues realized directly by the regional committees at local level (€8.6 m + €3.2 m with respect to 2013). Production costs, equal to €438.3 m, have been mainly allocated to the National Sports Federations , in the amount of over €288 m (equal to approx. 66 % of total production costs), of which €244.2 m for direct contributions and €43.8 m (not inclusive of VAT) for services in kind provided by Coni Servizi SpA within the considerations agreed in the annual service contract.

The other items relative to the production costs are represented by contributions in favour of other funded Bodies (€23.3 m), by the service contract considerations referred to the activities performed by Coni Servizi for CONI (€58.5 m, before VAT), by the amounts allocated to the State for VAT dues and in application of the norms for curbing public spending (€27.1 m, equal to 6% of the production costs), as well as by the costs borne directly by CONI’s Territorial Strictures (€21.6 € m, equal to 5% of the production costs), including the Progetto Sport di Classe realized with the MIUR and the Prime Minister’s office. After having examined a long series of other issues of organizational and administrative nature and having passed the relative resolutions, the Committee closed the meeting at 12:30.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev captured the official flame of the Baku 2015

The special ceremony took place in the ancient and sacred temple of Ateshgah, Baku. Also present at the event commemorating the start of the flame’s journey across Baku – The Journey of the Flame - was First Lady and Chair of Baku European Games Organising Committee Mehriban Aliyeva and President of the European Olympic Committees Patrick Hickey, along with 150 distinguished guests. Ateshgah, one of Azerbaijan’s most remarkable landmarks, stands on a site renowned for its naturally occuring flames, sacred to Zoroastrian fire worshippers for centuries. In a throw back to Ancient Greece where the Olympic Flame was kindled from the rays of the sun, Azerbaijan, ‘the land of Fire’ captured the flame for the first European Games from the earth.

President Aliyev began proceedings with a welcome address during which he said: “Our nation has truly harnessed the power of sport to effect positive change. Our capital city has been transformed through the many improvements in infrastructure in place for Baku 2015, ensuring a lasting legacy for the first European Games, and an innovative blueprint to pass on to the next host city. The Torch Relay we will launch this evening will be an inspirational journey around Azerbaijan, led by torchbearers representing all sections of our community. It will showcase our country’s captivating natural beauty, while continuing to involve our entire population in the Games, in the spirit of unity and celebration through sport".

President Hickey who praised Azerbaijan and all of its preparations to date said: “The Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect are perfectly expressed through the Torch Relay. By passing the flame from one to another in a collaborative gesture, torchbearers spread a message of peace, friendship and celebration through sport. Baku 2015 will come to life through the dedication and effort of your entire country. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the Azerbaijani leadership. Your professionalism and focus has never failed to impress us". Guests were treated to a display of national dancing and musical performances as part of the celebration of the Journey of the Flame before the President, First Lady and President Hickey entered the ancient temple to capture the flame. At this point the gates of the ancient temple closed behind the First Couple and guests were able to view the historical moment on big screens outside the walls. An impressive pyrotechnic display errupted the moment the flame was captured and they returned back trough the gates. 

President Aliyev was then joined by Olympic handball Champion Rafiga Shabanova who became the European Games first torchbearer as the President passed the torch to her and she began the Journey of the Flame. In a celebration of Azerbaijan’s extraordinary landscape, culture and heritage, the flame will travel the length and breadth of the country, spreading the spirit of the Games and warming the hearts of people in 60 locations. The torch will come within an hour’s travelling time of 99% of the Azerbaijan population and thousands of people are expected to join in the daily celebrations along the route.

Agreement with the Ministry of Defense. Malagò: "A winning partnership"

The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, the Minister of Defense, Roberta Pinotti, and the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Claudio Graziano, signed today at the Foro Italico a framework agreement and two memoranda of understanding that will renew and strengthen the collaboration between Italian sport and the Ministry of Defense until December 31, 2017. The signing took place in the presence of the Secretary General of the Olympic Committee, Roberto Fabbricini, and the Deputy Secretary and Head of the Olympic Preparation, Carlo Mornati. Also attending the event were the Olympic gold medalist Carlo Molfetta (Taekwondo) of the Carabinieri, Elisa Santoni (Rhythmic Gymnastics) of the Italian Air Force, Tommaso Marconi (Diving) of the Italian Navy and Giuseppe Giordano (Shooting) of the Italian Army.

The sports world was represented by the Vice President of CONI, Luciano Buonfiglio (President of FICK), the CEO of Coni Servizi, Alberto Miglietta (Chairman of the Badminton Federation) and the Federal Presidents Renato Di Rocco (Cycling), Alfio Giomi (Athletics), Gianfranco Ravà (Timekeepers), Enfried Obrist (Shooting), Francesco Purromuto (Handball) and Ugo Claudio Matteoli (Sport Fishing).

President Malagò described the signing of the Protocol as "a historic moment, a landmark in the journey we are making together. The world of sport in Italy is comprised not only of the territory, sport associations, sports clubs and volunteers, but also of the best military sports groups. The whole world envies us for this formula. We are very happy with this collaboration. It is a dialogue focused on meritocracy which formalizes the route we have taken and projects us into the future".

Minister Pinotti, officially invited to the Games in Rio in 2016 by President Malagò, thanked the CONI for its hospitality and expressed the satisfaction of the Ministry of Defense with the agreement. "The meeting between the sports world and the military world is a natural one: in both, sacrifices must be made to achieve results. The effort that I am asking the Olympic Committee and our athletes to make is to convey to all Italians the message that the armed forces are serving the country and must be perceived as friends: the uniform should not intimidate. Unfortunately, in Italy there are people wondering what good the armed forces are, invoking a cut in military expenditure: there is still a huge distrust towards the military world. For us, it is important to say that the armed forces want to help the sports world".

"Currently", said the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Claudio Graziano, "there are 530 high-level athletes coming from the military. We have won many medals in the Olympics, the World Cup, and the national championships: those are the tangible results of a great job. Our sports teams are one of the excellences of the Ministry of Defense".

Gioco del Lotto bets on sports with the project "Vincere da grandi"

CONI and Gioco del Lotto presented in the Hall of Honour "Vincere da grandi" a sporting, cultural and social project that will support Italian families. Starting from May, twice a week for a period of six months, children between 5 and 14 years coming from families living in poor areas with a high risk of social exclusion will have the chance to try, learn and practise many sports for free. The project will be held in four Italian cities: in Rome (Foro Italico) with Carlo Molfetta, captain of the national Italian taekwondo team, winner of the Olympic gold medal in London 2012; in Naples (Scampia) with Giovanni Maddaloni, President and Master of A.S.D. Star Judo Club; in Palermo (Zen) with Rachid Berradi, Olympic athlete in Sydney 2000, one of the best Italian middle-distance runners and President of A.S.D. Atletica Berradi 091; and in Milan (Quarto Oggiaro).

The President of CONI Malagò stressed the importance of this initiative. "I am grateful to Lottomatica for the choice made and for giving support to our association with passion and conviction. With this initiative, we propose a model of virtuous cooperation between public and private parties that aims through sports to promote prevention and social development where those would be most useful. In my opinion, teaming up with private parties motivated by the same goals represents a winning formula to provide real contribution to the sports system and to the community. Therefore, I hope that initiatives like this one will be able to stimulate the construction of a real network of supporters, united by the desire to help the country grow and improve". The CEO of Lottomatica, Fabio Cairoli, summarized the terms of the project with great pride. "We want to thank CONI for this opportunity, because we share such important values as the respect for rules, legality and the will to believe in young people. This project demonstrates our attachment to the concept of social responsibility that allowed Lottomatica, through Gioco del Lotto, to distinguish itself over the years in Italy, linking its name to the most important cultural and social institutions of the country while paying close attention and allotting resources for the areas in which it operates and develops". The event was also attended by the CEO of Coni Servizi, Alberto Miglietta, the Federal Presidents Alfio Giomi (Athletics) and Mario Scarzella (Archery), the honorary member of the IOC Manuela Di Centa, the Olympic champion of judo Giuseppe Maddaloni and the footballer Benedetto Iraci.

The project "Vincere da grandi", which involves an investment of 300,000 euro, will offer kids a sporting context and educational excellence, thanks to federal technicians and Olympic champions who will follow
them closely during their journey. The participants, identified by sporting organizations involved in the project through the regional social welfare network consisting of municipalities, educational institutions and social services, will be divided by age and will attend athletics, karate, volleyball, basketball, swimming, football, tennis, badminton, sailing, judo, gymnastics, taekwondo and rugby courses for free (special courses will be also offered for children with disabilities). The children will have the chance to attend a two-week course during summer holidays in the same structures; they will also have the opportunity to attend a sporting event of national/international level that will take place in the region where they live. CONI and Lottomatica want to offer a great opportunity for knowledge, cultural and social growth for the whole community.

The sporting testimonials also wanted to express their unconditional commitment to the project: Giovanni Maddaloni spoke of "a major gift for those who love sports. We are acting in twodirections: one is linked to the competitive growth for the Olympic dream, the other is aimed to social inclusion throughout our world". Rachid Berradi stressed that "this initiative will introduce young people to sport, allowing them to become champions in life and on the field"; the Olympic athlete Carlo Molfetta exalted "Vincere da grandi" by saying that it "will open up disciplines such as taekwondo and many others by breaking down barriers and introducing young people to sport". A special praise came from the other Olympic gold medalist, the judoka Giuseppe Maddaloni, who wanted to testify his affinity to a project "that gives us the opportunity to invest in young people to believe in the future and in our future champions". The Councilor for Sports of the City of Palermo, Cesare Lapiana, brought greetings from the Mayor, Leoluca Orlando, expressing "satisfaction with this initiative, which will be supported by institutions through commitment and passion for the development of sport".

CONI-Alitalia agreement. Malagò: fly higher and higher

Italian sport is ready to "fly higher". The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, and the CEO of Alitalia, Silvano Cassano, presented today at the Foro Italico a two-year strategic agreement between the Italian National Olympic Committee and the leading Italian airline. With this agreement, involving two Italian excellences, Alitalia will be the official airline for every journey linked to Italian sport and will offer group fares and flight and airport services dedicated to athletes and representatives of Sports Federations.

Specifically, the Olympic Team and the National Teams will benefit from discounted rates for national, international and intercontinental tickets. The athletes and the coaches will also be able to take advantage of various services and special conditions for the transport of sports equipment, a vital point in many disciplines. The agreement between Alitalia and CONI is part of a journey for a growing relationship between the main Italian sporting institution and the main Italian airline in light of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, said: "I am extremely happy. Today we celebrate a historic agreement for Italian sport and for the values expressed by these two companies, fundamental for the development of our country also in terms of tradition, culture and customs. CONI and all the Sports Federations proudly state that from today "Sport will fly higher", without neglecting its powerful message of national unity and identity. The building of these values today is an essential mission for CONI, and the agreement with Alitalia will allow us to take advantage of the value of this partnership together with the Federations, for the sake of all the stakeholders. The dutiful CONI is becoming more and more of a hub that enhances its network, its athletes and the entirety of Italian sport by launching promotion and development projects across the whole country. The President then explained how "the agreement is structured in three directions: it improves the commercial field, enhances agreed services such as the boarding of sporting equipment, and finally ensures bonuses linked to the frequency of the activity and to the content of the partnership. I'm sure that every part of our world, even the structure of the Rome 2024 Committee, will fly smoothly with Alitalia. We are very proud of this agreement".

The CEO of Alitalia, Silvano Cassano, stressed the concepts expressed by President Malagò. "We are honored to accompany the Italian athletes in all international competitions to represent our shared colours and values. Seeing Italian sport flying with Alitalia and with our national flag is a beautiful message of unity and national identity. In its history, Alitalia has always accompanied Italian sport. I remember Rome 1960, the return of our national tennis team from Chile in 1976 with the Davis Cup, the adventure of Azzurra in the 1983 America's Cup, the World Championships in Athletics in Rome 1987, the World Cup in Italy in 1990, and the travels of the "Blue Avalanche" for the Ski. We were and we will always be next to the athletes to stress the value of merit and sport and to celebrate all future triumphs." Cassano recalled how "our relationship with Malagò goes back 30 years. We want to believe, we have to believe in youth: we launched a programme for 24 graduates and we selected 400 of them. They are now training in Abu Dhabi and I hope that they will take our place in a matter of years. I will ensure a €10,000 scholarship to every athlete who wins a gold medal in Rio 2016, to give a chance to all the young and worthy athletes that are unable to complete their development due to economic problems. It's an incentive for our young people to to hold their heads up high, promoting Italian excellence".

Welcome aboard: this is the lucky motto of the new CONI-Alitalia agreement.

Schwazer summoned by the Prosecutor's Office to appear on 24 April

The Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office has summoned Mr. Alex Schwazer to appear on the 24th of April, 2015 at 10 am in relation to the request formulated by the athlete himself in accordance with Art.11.2. of CSA 2015.

One cyclist’s journey to the Baku 2015 has begun

To cycle from Lisbon to Baku, promoting the inaugural European Games along the way. That is the challenge proposed by Jorge Cristóvão, a 53 year-old cyclist and adventure athlete, and the Portuguese National Olympic Committee (NOC). His journey began today at Lisbon’s Torre de Belém, in a ceremony attended by more than 100 people, including athletes and coaches who will represent Portugal in Baku, National Sport Federation representatives, and Mr Cristóvão’s family and friends.  Mr Cristóvão was given the Portuguese flag by the NOC’s Chef de Mission, José Garcia, to whom he will return it on 10 June when he arrives in Baku, in order for the flag to be used by the Portuguese delegation’s flag bearer at the Baku 2015 European Games Opening Ceremony on 12 June. 

Mr Cristóvão said: "I made the proposal to the Portuguese Olympic Committee to carry the Portuguese flag to Baku to honor the Portuguese athletes who will compete in this Games. It has an indescribable meaning to me because the national flag is a symbol that has followed me since childhood and is a very strong feeling I have."

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

Following the success of last year’s first-ever International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on 6 April, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is once again gearing up to celebrate the power of sport and highlight how it can help build a better world. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is an annual celebration that highlights and promotes the power of sport as a catalyst for social change in all corners of the world. Since  2014,  following a  decision by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the IDSDP has been celebrated  each year on 6 April, creating a historical link to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

The IOC, in its capacity of Permanent Observer to the UN, has been supportive of this initiative as it values its potential to recognise sports organisations’ role in and contribution to social change and human development. With the help of some inspirational Olympians and organisations from around the world, we will demonstrate how individuals and the Olympic Movement are using sport to contribute to physical, educational and social development. Through their anecdotes, experiences and initiatives, these sportswomen and sportsmen are helping us in the lead-up to the IDSDP to highlight how sport is a universal tool that encourages people to be physically active and adopt healthy lifestyles. How it inspires youth by assisting with their development. How it empowers women and girls, and is becoming a valuable platform to promote gender equality. How it builds bridges in conflict communities and promotes peace and respect. How it challenges social stigma and discrimination. How, ultimately, sport unites people regardless of their differences. So stay tuned, and join the movement at #sport4betterworld!

Calling all young designers! IOC launches medal design competition for Lillehammer 2016

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today launched a competition offering fans and young designers the opportunity to make Olympic history by designing the medal for the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Submissions will be accepted until 1 June 2015 at www.medaldesigncompetition.com

In keeping with the IOC’s mission for the Youth Olympic Games to be produced not only for young people, but also by young people, the winning design will be selected by a judging panel made up of the Young Ambassadors and Young Reporters who have been involved in the YOG since the first edition in Singapore in 2010.

Also joining the panel will be IOC Members Claudia Bokel, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and Olympic silver medallist in fencing, and Angela Ruggiero, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Lillehammer 2016 and Olympic champion in ice hockey.

Angela commented, “As an Olympic champion I know what it means to receive a medal... Something you will cherish for the rest of your life. To be the designer of that medal is incredibly prestigious.  The Youth Olympic Games is all about involving young people and it is a great honour for me to be on the judging panel and see what the creative minds from around the world can produce.”  

The winning design will be selected in June 2015 and this design will then feature on the face of the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in Lillehammer from 12 to 21 February 2016.

In addition to the prestige of creating Olympic history, the winning designer will win a trip to Lillehammer 2016, which includes tickets to the Opening Ceremony and sports competition, as well as a full collection of medals featuring their design.

Key dates:

• Design submissions will be accepted from 25 March to 1 June 2015.
• The judging period will take place between 3 June and 17 June 2015.
• The winner will be announced at the end of June 2015.

500 days to Rio 2016

Only 500 days separate us from the start of the Games of Rio 2016. The countdown for the XXXI Olympic Games, which will be held in Brazil from 5 to 21 August, continues. The Brazilian city was elected during the IOC session of 2 October 2009 in Copenhagen, beating Madrid in the final vote. The most important sporting event will be held in South America for the first time.

The Olympic programme will include golf and rugby sevens. 10,500 athletes from 205 countries will compete in 43 disciplines over the 17 days of the Games. The events will be held in four areas: Barra, Copacabana, Maracanà (which will host the Opening Ceremony) and Deodoro, while the full programme of the event will go live in two Olympic Parks: Barra Olympic Park and Deodoro Olympic Park. The event is intended to deeply change the heart of the Brazilian city, aiming to accelerate the development process in terms of infrastructure, transport, security and hospitality. Italy has already earned itself 19 Olympic Quotas for Rio 2016: 10 for Sailing (in 7 classes), 6 for Skeet shooting, and 3 for Shooting.