The Milano Cortina 2026 International Roadshow made a key stop in Paris this Thursday at the majestic Teatro Siciliano of the Italian Embassy. This event, organized by the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 in collaboration with various Italian institutions, seeks to promote the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games through a global network of Italian embassies and consulates.
PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TWO OLYMPIC NATIONS
The choice of Paris as the second stop of the Roadshow is no coincidence. France and Italy, hosts of the Winter Olympic Games in 2026 and 2030 respectively, share a common vision: to use sport as a tool to unite nations and promote universal values such as peace, friendship and sustainability.
The event brought together institutional representatives and key figures from both countries. Italy was represented by Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, and Federica Picchi, Undersecretary of the Lombardy Region for Sport and Youth. France was represented by Astrid Guyart, Secretary General of the French Olympic Committee, and Marie-Amélie Le Fur, President of the French Paralympic Committee.
PROMOTING OLYMPIC VALUES
During the event, the Italian ambassador to France, Emanuela D’Alessandro, stressed that Milano Cortina 2026 will be an opportunity to revive the spirit of unity and celebration that was experienced in Paris during the 2024 Games. In her words, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are not only sporting competitions, but moments that inspire new generations and reinforce fundamental values such as hope and teamwork.
Federica Picchi, for her part, stressed the importance of the Games as a bridge between European countries. “We inherit the legacy of the Paris 2024 Games and will continue this great Olympic dream, showing the world another extraordinary part of Europe,” she said.
SUSTAINABILITY AND INCLUSION
One of the pillars of Milano Cortina 2026 will be sustainability. Cristiano Corazzari, Regional Minister of Veneto, stressed that the Games will be an opportunity to renovate sports infrastructures with a focus on sustainability and accessibility. In addition, the aim is to ensure that services are inclusive, especially for people with disabilities and Paralympic athletes.
This approach not only aims to leave a positive legacy in terms of infrastructure, but also to promote values such as respect for the environment and solidarity through sport.
COLLABORATION WITHOUT BORDERS
Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, thanked the Italian Embassy in Paris for its warm welcome and highlighted the cultural and sporting ties between Italy and France. “The Paris 2024 experience was inspiring, and we hope that Milano Cortina 2026 will be a springboard for the French Winter Games in 2030,” he said.
The International Roadshow will continue its tour of Europe, Asia and the United States, taking the message of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games to the world and reinforcing the importance of sport as a driver of unity and positive change.
