The Winter Games Week 2025 is now underway in Italy, offering nearly half a million young people the opportunity to experience the values of Olympism through educational and interactive activities. This program is part of “Gen26”, Milano Cortina 2026’s educational initiative, which has already reached close to one million students across the country.
Now in its second edition, Winter Games Week is taking place from February 3 to 7, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), and the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP). This initiative not only promotes sports and physical activity but also instills values such as respect, inclusion, and friendship among young people.
EDUCATIONAL LEGACY
The first edition of Winter Games Week, held in 2024, involved more than 230,000 schoolchildren from all 21 Italian regions. This year, participation has increased, reaching over 240,000 youngsters, who will have the chance to learn about Olympic values and engage in winter sports.
A study conducted after the first edition revealed that 82% of participating schools continued using the educational materials developed for the event. Additionally, 61% increased their physical activity offerings, and 44% of students who had not previously engaged in sports started participating after taking part in the initiative.
ACTIVITIES AND OLYMPIC LEARNING
For 2025, primary and secondary schools across Italy, as well as youth associations, will receive educational materials and guidance to organize sessions that promote exercise and Olympic values among students. Activities include winter sports competitions, athlete visits, sports science programs, and events dedicated to Paralympic sports.
Moreover, the Organizing Committee has opened the doors of its headquarters in Milan to selected school pupils, allowing them to learn firsthand about the significance of the Games and the impact of sports on society. “We are already creating a legacy,” emphasized Domenico De Maio, Milano Cortina 2026’s Education and Culture Director.
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
As part of its efforts to inspire future generations, Milano Cortina 2026 has translated the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), an educational initiative by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), into Italian. The program will be distributed nationwide with support from the Ministry of Education and CONI.
Additionally, in Cortina, the IOC will host educational workshops for 30 teachers from February 6 to 8, providing training that will help them bring Olympic values to their respective regions.
ON THE ROAD TO MILANO CORTINA 2026
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, while the Paralympics will be held from March 6 to 15. With initiatives like Winter Games Week, the legacy of the event is already shaping education and sports in Italy, preparing future generations to embrace the Olympic spirit.