Sport as a universal language that unites, inspires and motivates. This was the key message of the event Sport: Stories of Brotherhood, Hope, Value, held on Friday 2 May at the Auditorium of the Italian Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan, organised by the Holy See with the participation of CONI.

During the event, the Italian National Olympic Committee announced that this year, National Sports Day 2025 will be held in conjunction with the Jubilee of Sport on 14 and 15 June across Italy, with events organised and promoted by CONI’s Regional Committees throughout the country. The centrepiece of the initiative will be a major event in Piazza del Popolo in Rome on 14 June, linked with activities nationwide, culminating in a Mass in St Peter’s Square on 15 June.

“Sport plays a fundamental educational and formative role, contributing significantly to physical, psychological and social development,” stressed Cecilia D’Angelo, CONI Territorial Director. “Through participation in youth sport initiatives such as the CONI Centres, CONI Educamps and the Trofeo CONI, young people experience the meaning of respect for rules and for others, friendship and fair play, values that are essential to building a cohesive, inclusive, just and resilient society.” Alongside Cecilia D’Angelo, who headed the CONI delegation at Expo Osaka, the event – moderated by journalist Federico Buffa – also featured Andrea Marin, Director of the Italian Pavilion; Alvio La Face, Head of Institutional Relations and of the Legislative and Sports Justice Observatory at CONI; Azzurro rugby player Andrea Lo Cicero; Olympic judo champion Pino Maddaloni; and Olympic windsurfing champion and multiple medallist Alessandra Sensini, who spoke of the role sport played in shaping her as both an athlete and a woman.

The morning session of the event included contributions from Mario Vattani, General Commissioner for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka; Stefano Riccardi, Director of the Holy See Pavilion; Damiano Tommasi, Mayor of Verona and sports executive; young women’s football talent Carol De Lisanti; coach Massimo Ficcadenti; and international referee Alfredo Trentalange. The day concluded with a moment of play and interaction, as the panellists joined local children on the mini pitch set up by CONI, to enthusiastic welcome and participation. Rounding out this day of sport and reflection was the display of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games torches for Milano Cortina 2026 – symbols of sport as a messenger of peace and unity.