‘Stronger Together’ forum, Malagò: “Extraordinary years thanks to the work of our athletes”
The Salone d’Onore of CONI hosted the second ‘Stronger Together’ forum, the national assembly of the CONI National Athletes’ Commission, marking the end of the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle.
The event (photo: Roberto Di Tondo CONI) was part of the projects supported by the International Olympic Committee through Olympic Solidarity, aiming to promote the principles of Olympism and help National Olympic Committees to prepare their athletes for future challenges both in sport and in their professional lives.
“This meeting is a wonderful opportunity for dialogue and sharing to help ensure a better future for the world of sport,” explained Raffaella Masciadri, President of the CONI National Athletes’ Commission Steering Committee, in her opening speech. “Sport is a powerful tool for individual and collective growth. It goes beyond simple competition, teaches fundamental values, and unites people by breaking down cultural and social barriers. Sport offers opportunities to everyone. At Paris 2024, our athletes taught us that even a fourth place or simply taking part in the Olympic Games can bring happiness. The National Athletes’ Commission plays a crucial role as a bridge between athletes and institutions: moving forward together, network building, creating a community and strengthening the voice of our athletes.” “We have worked in recent years to develop new projects and strengthen existing ones,” added Vice-President Carlo Molfetta, who is also Director General of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. “I would like to highlight one thing: the National Athletes’ Commission is not a union, but strives to create projects to support athletes. As for Taranto 2026, we are doing our utmost to ensure the event is a success and that it leaves a positive legacy for the future of Apulia.”
The floor was then given to CONI President Giovanni Malagò: “Italy will remain in an Olympic phase until 2028 with the Milano Cortina Winter Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina Winter Youth Olympic Games. Never before has Italian sport achieved such leading results. We have just won the medal table for the first time at the Winter EYOF, where the best under-18 cross-country skier in the world, Daniel Pedranzini, shone. And at the Alpine Skiing World Championships, Giorgia Collomb won gold in the team event, after previously achieving great results in youth competitions with the Italia Team. We are planting seeds for the future. These have been extraordinary years. Once, we imported coaches, now we export them. Thanks to the National Athletes’ Commission, always loyal and committed. If CONI has achieved wonderful things in recent years, it is above all thanks to you, the athletes.”
Joining him was CONI Secretary General Carlo Mornati: “From a regulatory and legal point of view, enormous progress has been made, and the National Athletes’ Commission is proof of this. These are great opportunities for the movement, great opportunities for everyone. Be aware of the path we have taken and that Italy is now a reference point at the highest level.”
IOC member Federica Pellegrini, who conveyed greetings from the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission through a video message by President Emma Terho, said: “I am continuing to live a dream in the world of sport. We have many ideas, many projects, but things must be tackled step by step. We want to give athletes a voice for both the present and the future. We need to take a step towards them and their needs. Paris 2024 was a success from many points of view, but we cannot stop here.”
“Without athletes there would be no sport. Their needs and their rights must be protected,” said Antonella Del Core. “The voice of the athletes must become increasingly present within sports bodies.” Cristina Lenardon also contributed, speaking about the National Sport Federation Athletes’ Commissions: “There is much to be done. The Olympic Charter promotes the importance of the athletes’ voice in institutions, and the IOC Athletes’ Commission is an example to follow. The work we are doing today is the future for those who choose to invest in sport tomorrow.”
Francesco Marrai addressed the topic of safeguarding, which was then elaborated on by Prefect Ugo Taucer, Prosecutor General for Sport, while Elena Pantaleo spoke about trends in the world of sport and the role of athletes, outlining future scenarios involving opportunities, the growth of the movement, and investment in the women’s sector.
Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, Diana Bianchedi, then presented the Milano Cortina 2026 project: “The representation of athletes must be tangible. That is why we founded the Milano Cortina 2026 Athletes and Coaches Commission, which is crucial for decision-making across different areas in the lead-up to the Games.” “We want to spread and promote the culture of sport. These will be sustainable Games,” added Federico Pellegrino, who is also a member of the Milano Cortina 2026 Athletes’ Commission. “We are working for the present and future of athletes, fighting against all forms of discrimination.” The event concluded with Tatiana Andreoli, who introduced the topic of preventing competition manipulation, which was then explored in greater depth by Prosecutor Taucer.
"Stronger Together", al CONI il secondo forum degli atleti italiani
