MILAN (ITALPRESS) – “Italy is honored to host the XXV edition of the Winter Olympic Games. I am pleased to be able to address to those who care for the sport dimension of international life, that which represents values of collaboration and promotes global events of loyalty meetings in relations between peoples and people. This is demonstrated by the uniqueness of the human family and gives rise to the hope that the Olympic values become concrete inspiration in international life and are practiced and not only admired.” These are the words of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in his address of greeting to the gala dinner with the Heads of State and government organized by Cio to the Fabbrica del Vapore, in Milan. Mattarella recalled the approval of the Olympic Truce by the General Assembly of the UN, which “exhorted member countries to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee and with the International Paralympic Committee to promote peace and human understanding, dialogue, tolerance, reconciliation. This is the meaning of the Olympic motto: “Citius, altius, forteus, communiter”, faster, higher, stronger, together. The athletes will demonstrate this in the Games, united by talent, commitment, sacrifices to improve constantly”.
“That words are not just a sports program: they should be – they are – a program that should inspire all the governments of the world in relations with each other – the President of the Republic has emphasized – that is what all peoples desire and wait. It has been a manifestation of the enthusiasm that, in Italy, has welcomed the Olympic flame on the journey here along roads, squares, villages. Italy welcomes athletes and athletes from many countries, with the widest female participation ever. Sport – Mattarella continued – is an expression of freedom. The freedom to measure yourself, to test yourself, to confront others on the basis of shared values and rules. A great lesson for everyone. To all athletes and athletes we turn the wish to excel in the Olympic Games”, concluded the Head of State.
The President of the Republic had arrived with his daughter Laura at the Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan. Before dinner, Mattarella greeted US Vice President J.D. Vance, present together with State Secretary Marco Rubio. And, of course, the President greeted the other guests, from the Dutch royals to the Albanian president. Representative of France, present the Minister for Sport.
– Photo Quirinale –
(ITALPRESS).
