ROMA (ITALPRESS) – This morning in the Piazza del Quirinale, in the presence of the president of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, the inauguration ceremony of the trip of the Olympic Flame on the occasion of the Winter Games of Milan – Cortina 2026. After the execution of the National Anthem by the interforze band, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry and President Mattarella gave their celebratory speeches. At the end of the speeches, the president of the organizing committee of Milan Cortina 2026, Giovanni Malagò, delivered to President Mattarella the torch with which the brazier of the Olympic Flame was lit.
The fly of the Frecce Tricolori has concluded the ceremony officially giving way to the journey of the Flame that from 6 December will cross places symbol of Rome, then wind along 12.000 kilometers and touch 110 provinces. The Olympic Flame will remain on the Quirinale Square until 14:00. The President of the Senate of the Republic, Ignazio LaRussia, the President of the Chamber of Representatives, Lorenzo Fontana, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, representatives of the Government, the Council and the Institutions.
“The ignition of the Olympic flame gives way to an engaging path and covers a symbolic value of embodies universal principles. The Olympic game guarantees the possibility for men and women to progress, urges solidarity and demands there is no overwhelm by ethnic origin. This message is handed down by the champions of all disciplines and young people who practice sports. The Olympics are ancient and modern history and are also the time of today. More than ever, we feel the urgency of friendship and peace from peoples. Italy has asked that the Olympic Truce is renewed and we hope that the two months that separate us from the start of the Games can further extend tensions.” These are the words of Sergio Mattarella, President of the Republic, in the margin of the ignition of the Olympic brazier of the Winter Games of Milan Cortina 2026.
“The sign of peace of the Games will be clear and visible at every latitude. One of the greatest wealth of sport lies in its achievements that become the heritage of humanity. We have received the witness from Beijing and will deliver it to France, in a change of time we are living there is need for hope and sport contains and transmits this precious value. With the courage to overcome its limits we can achieve great goals. Turning on the torch we revive the hope of peace and future progress,” added Mattarella.
COVENTRY “SPORT VA OLTRE BARRIERE E CONFINI”
“The last week in Olimpia was incredible that aroused great emotions in me. Seeing the flame coming to Rome made me excited, thanks to the great energy of the Italian people. Creativity and courage are the values that every athlete recognizes in the power of sport, which goes beyond the barriers and beyond the borders, which is the true spirit of the Olympic Games, without any discrimination for the dreams of the new generations.” These are the words of Kirsty Coventry, President of the CIO. “Milano Cortina will be my first Olympic Games and I hope they are a great success, for Italy for athletes and for the entire Olympic movement. I hope the Games can inspire the world and hope Italy’s passion in the Games” added Coventry.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
