President Sergio Mattarella met
Italian athletes taking part in the 2024 Paris Olympics at the
Olympic village on Thursday and sang the national anthem with
them.
"You have the affection of the whole of Italy," Mattarella told
the Italian Olympians.
"It is honest affection that you must not take as pressure.
"A little while ago we sang the anthem.
"It would be better to hear it many times (during the medal
ceremonies), thanks to you.
"The medals that come will be welcome, but the sense of sport
that you have is more important".
The head of State travelled to Paris on the presidential plane
with reigning Olympic men's high jump champion Gianmarco
Tamberi, who will be the Italian flag-bearer at Friday's opening
ceremony.
While at the village, Mattarella signed the Olympic 'Truce
Wall'.
On Friday Mattarella will inaugurate Italy's Casa Italia base in
Paris before attending Games opening ceremony.
Photo: President Sergio Mattarella with Italy's reigning Olympic
men's high jump champion Gianmarco Tamberi.
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