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Logo MILANO CORTINA 2026 International Olympic Committee
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The Trofeo CONI Winter kicks off in Valle d'Aosta, Buonfiglio: “You are lucky young people, make the most of this opportunity”
OPENING CEREMONY
The opening ceremony of the Trofeo CONI Winter 2025 took place at the Courmayeur Sport Center, bringing the Aosta Valley to life until the winning region is announced at the closing ceremony scheduled for Sunday 21 December (photo: Simone Ferraro and Roberto Di Tondo, CONI).
This year's fourth winter edition of the Under 14 Mini-Olympics was supported by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security. First of all, the delegations of the 21 Italian regions competed, as did the young representatives of the Italian community abroad from the United States of America. Silvia Marrara from the MAECI sports directorate was also present for the Roots Tourism project. All were led by Tina and Milo, the official mascots of Milano Cortina 2026.
From Abruzzo to the hosts of Valle d'Aosta, more than a thousand athletes and technicians paraded through the arena, ready to compete in the Italian Winter Sports Federation's five sports (alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, biathlon and cross-country skiing), the Italian Ice Sports Federation's four sports (short track, figure skating, curling and ice hockey) and the Italian Triathlon Federation's one sport (winter triathlon) in the municipalities of Pila, Cogne, Courmayeur, Aosta and Turin.
A live link was established from the Sport Center to Piazza Abbé Henry, where Les Badochys — a folk group dedicated to preserving local traditions through ancient dance and music — performed. Giuliano Razzoli, winner of the special slalom at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, then set off as the torchbearer.
Back at the arena, after a summary of the CONI Winter Trophy programme, which included the CONI Fair Play Games linked to the Olympic Values Education Program this year, Mameli's anthem was played as the Italian tricolour flag was waved.
Then came the official welcome speeches, starting with Courmayeur Mayor Roberto Rota: “It is a pleasure to welcome you and let you experience our mountains, our wonderful landscapes, the slopes, the snow and the ice. Here, you will find ideal conditions in which to have fun, meet others and respect the rules of sport, which allow for no shortcuts. Sport is a way of life and a healthy way to experience nature while respecting the environment and other people. We hope that this event will remain in your hearts and that it will inspire some of you to pursue your dreams of competing in the Olympic Games”. On stage with him were Aosta's Sports Councillor Alina Sapinet, the Mayor of Cogne Denis Truc and the Mayor of Gressan René Cottino.
Jean Dondeynaz, the President of the Valle d'Aosta Regional Committee of CONI, said: “I feel great excitement and deep pride. The beating heart of this event, its true wealth, is the young people. Sport is a shared value and a real investment in the region's future. Organising an event like this requires vision and great collective commitment, especially given the significant moment in history we are in: the eve of Milano Cortina 2026. We are especially proud that Federica Brignone and Federico Pellegrino, both from Valle d'Aosta, will represent us as flag bearers. Our land produces talent, passion and sporting values; sport teaches us to win with humility and to lose with dignity. The mountains unite cultures, histories and peoples, as evidenced by the presence of young American athletes of Italian origin among us today. Boys and girls, someone will win, but you will all return home with new friends, new experiences, and the knowledge that you have been part of something special”.
“This event is a wonderful gift for our region. It celebrates values such as respect, a healthy lifestyle and fun” added Giulio Grosjacques, the Aosta Valley Sports Councillor. And the regional president Renzo Testolin expressed himself as follows: "To see all this Azzurro in our region is wonderful. The Aosta Valley has been invaded by 'CONI youngsters': I would like to thank President Buonfiglio for his belief in the Aosta Valley. All the important values are there: heart, passion, energy, sacrifice, friendship and love. We are the only Italian region where winter sports are more popular than football. These young people represent so much”.
The official speeches concluded with CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, who had participated in the Conference of Regional Committee Presidents a few hours earlier. “I appeal to your sense of belonging and to everyone's sense of purpose,” he said. “You cannot afford to waste time because so many people are dedicating their time to you. Those who waste time miss out on opportunities. Everyone represents their own region and the desire to be with others. It is important to be there, but even more important to be there together. Boys and girls, be role models for good behaviour on the competition fields and in everyday life. You must appreciate your privileges. You must commit, respect yourselves and others, and never give up. Among the four flag bearers for Milano Cortina 2026, I have chosen two who are very important to this land. Federica Brignone is a great athlete who has shown us that when we fall, we can get back up again quickly. And Federico Pellegrino is an athlete who leaves nothing to chance. With them, for them, for you and for a better tomorrow, good luck!”.
Following the greetings of IOC member and International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation President Ivo Ferriani and Charlotte Groppo, Head of the IOC's Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Department, there was a spectacular dance and skating performance, followed by the oath-taking ceremony. The oath was read by athletes Noah Desayeux and Estelle Fosson, judge Marica Poli and coach Luca Alladio, alongside CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and CONI Valle d'Aosta Regional Committee President Jean Dondeynaz. Buonfiglio and Dondeynaz then officially declared the Trofeo CONI Winter 2025 open.
At this point, Marco Albarello, a native of Aosta and five-time Olympic medallist in cross-country skiing, passed the flame to Mara Zini, who won a bronze medal in the women’s short track relay at Torino 2006. Zini then handed the flame to the final torchbearer, Mirko Vuillermin, who won two medals in short track. Vuillermin lit the cauldron, marking the end of the opening ceremony.
Al via Trofeo CONI Winter 2025, a Courmayeur si alza il sipario sulla quarta edizione
