Lignano Sabbiadoro and the Friuli Venezia Giulia region are preparing to celebrate the 2025 edition of the Trofeo CONI — Italy’s largest sporting event for under-14s, promoted by the Italian National Olympic Committee in partnership with organised sport.

From 28 September to 1 October, Italy’s premier Adriatic resort will host a record 4,600 athletes and coaches from every region of the country, for four days of competition, friendship and fair play.

This year’s programme features 44 disciplines, including the debut of sanda under the Italian Wushu Kung-Fu Federation, with twirling on show as a demonstration sport. Emilia Romagna are the defending champions after lifting the trophy in Sicily in 2024.

It will be the second time Friuli Venezia Giulia has staged the summer Trofeo CONI — 10 years on from the 2015 edition — underlining the region’s ability to host major events. The opening ceremony takes place at the Stadio Teghil in Lignano Sabbiadoro on Sunday 28 September, with delegations parading and the symbolic Olympic flame being lit. Competitions follow on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30, with the closing ceremony set for the beach.

Events will be spread across the region: bowling in Portogruaro, sport climbing in Basaldella, shooting in Porpetto, roller skating in Cervignano del Friuli and artistic gymnastics in Latisana, with athletes housed in local accommodation facilities.

Thanks to the “Turismo delle Radici” project under Italy’s National Recovery Plan, young athletes from Italian communities in Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Venezuela will also take part, combining competition with a journey to rediscover their heritage. Sustainability is another focus, with initiatives aligned to the UN’s 2030 Agenda through a protocol between CONI and the Ministry for the Environment.

CONI Friuli Venezia Giulia president Andrea Marcon said: “We believe in sport as an educational and inclusive tool. Our young people deserve occasions like this to test themselves and learn while having fun. I’m sure we adults will learn much from them too.”

CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio added: “This is my first Trofeo CONI as President, and I will attend the opening ceremony with great emotion. This event gives thousands of young people the chance to meet and grow through sport, and I am certain it will inspire many to dream of the Olympic Games.”

Regional president Massimiliano Fedriga underlined the wider significance: “The record 4,600 participants confirm our region’s appeal and organisational ability. Sport here is not only competition but a vehicle of growth, friendship, inclusion and cultural promotion.”

The Trofeo CONI 2025 will be streamed live on ItaliaTeamTV, CONI’s OTT platform, beginning with the opening ceremony.