The Milan-Cortina 2026 Foundation arrives in New York as part of its international promotional campaign to present the next Olympic Winter Games next February.
An eight-stage roadshow will also touch down in Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna, Oslo, Beijing, and Seoul.
During the event at the Consulate General on Park Avenue, doing the honours was Consul Fabrizio Di Michele, who recalled 'the uniqueness of these Games for their extension into three different regions,' but also emphasised 'the relevance of the Olympic spirit and values, and it is clear even looking at the international context the importance of these values, first of all peace, but also fairness and equality.
Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Foundation, emphasised that 'the Games are 312 days away, and we really hope to create the best possible conditions for athletes from all over the world'. Varnier explained that Milan-Cortina is a 'new model for the Games, not only because of the large area that we have to cover and offers some operational challenges, but also offers an enormous variety and richness of culture and history'. He then recalled that the Games (for which half of the tickets have already been sold), offer the opportunity to 'build a legacy, to come together instead of competing, to look at the values, not just the infrastructure, already present in a place. I think it is a winning model'. The meeting, moderated by La Repubblica columnist Mario Calvo-Platero, was also attended by Marco Alparone, Lombardy's Vice President and Councillor for Budget and Finance, who recalled that the Games 'not only represent a great sport, but Italian excellence', speaking of a 'model of sustainability, to reduce the environmental impact and at the same time leave a legacy for future generations'. And then Nicola Polito, Coo of Trentino Marketing, who recalled the wonders of the region, where 'sport is a true model of life'. And then Gene Tiger Sykes, president of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Olympic figure skating champion Sarah Hughes, and Declan Farmer, three-time Paralympic sledge hockey gold medallist.
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