The stage is set for the Milano Cortina 2026Olympic Winter Games, said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, as she opened the 145th IOC Session at Milan’s iconic Teatro alla Scala in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
“Everyone you meet cannot wait for the Games to begin. There is definitely an Olympic vibe building in the streets of Milan, in Cortina and in all host regions, and more specifically in the hearts of the people across the country,” said the IOC President.
She continued: “Milano Cortina 2026 is truly a collective effort. To paraphrase an African saying: it takes a village. But here, it takes an Olympic Village to make every athlete’s dream come true. Thanks to the efforts of everyone here, the athletes can shine on a truly magnificent Olympic stage – inspiring the world with their excellence, their artistry, beauty and emotion. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this possible – grazie Italia.”
Among the audience in Milan’s iconic Teatro alla Scala were IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach, the IOC Members and Honorary Members, the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Luciano Buonfiglio, the President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, Giovanni Malagò, and the representatives of the host regions and cities.
Coventry thanked the Italian hosts for the warm welcome that she has received since arriving in Milan last week: “Over the past few days, we have seen the excitement building everywhere. Today we got to spend some time in the Olympic Village. The athletes cannot wait. They are so excited. The first athletes are moving into the Villages across Italy. And they have a special sparkle in their eye. You can feel the anticipation, but you can feel the excitement even more.”
The preparations have been a long journey, Coventry said. “Sometimes a bit bumpy, like every Olympic journey – but it is truly wonderful to be here, among our Italian partners and friends. And they have become family. On behalf of the athletes, and of the entire Olympic community, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of you: thank you, President Mattarella, the government of Italy, and all regional authorities, mayors and host communities. You are essential to making these Games unforgettable.”
Coventry also thanked the Organising Committee, under the leadership of President Malagò: “A special word of thanks goes to the Organising Committee and President Malagò for your unwavering commitment and ambition. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and friendship.”
One element to successful Olympic Games is a successful home team, IOC President Coventry said. “So to President Buonfiglio: thank you for everything you and CONI have done to prepare the athletes for Italy’s special moment. They are going to compete at home, in front of their families, friends and fans. I spoke to a few of them today. They cannot wait to make all of you very proud.” Smiling, she added: “Remember to leave a few medals for the other teams.”
She drew a parallel between the artistic heritage of La Scala and the spirit of the Olympic Movement. “Thank you to our gracious Italian hosts for welcoming us so warmly in this magnificent place: La Scala. From this stage, generations of artists, opera singers and musicians have inspired their audience through their excellence in artistry, through beauty and emotion. La Scala represents the Italian spirit: a deep love of the arts and life, of human creativity, of blending tradition and innovation. It is the same spirit that will now embrace the world’s best winter sports athletes as they prepare to make their Olympic dream come true.”
Taking the floor after IOC President Coventry, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, addressed the assembled guests at La Scala and echoed these sentiments. “Sport means meeting in peace,” he said. “It testifies fraternity within loyal competition with others. It is the contrary of a world where barriers and lack of communication prevail.”
Milan’s iconic Teatro alla Scala offered a spectacular welcome for the opening of the IOC Session. The evening celebrated Italian culture with La Scala’s renowned Musical Director, Riccardo Chailly, delivering a musical programme dedicated to two giants of Italian opera: Gioachino Rossini and Giuseppe Verdi. Rossini’s “Sinfonia”, from La gazza ladra and the aria “Resta immobile” from Guglielmo Tellwere beautifully performed, while Verdi’s magnificent “Prelude” from Macbeth was followed by the aria “Pietà, rispetto, onore” from Act IV, performed by one of the great Verdi baritones of our time, Luca Salsi. The “Sinfonia” and the aria “Urna fatale del mio destino” from Verdi’s La forza del destinowere also magnificently brought to life by La Scala’s musical talent.
Milano Cortina 2026 will mark Italy’s fourth time hosting the Olympic Summer or Winter Games, following Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956, Rome 1960 and Turin 2006, as the Winter Olympics return to a region long considered a cradle of winter sport. The Games will open on 6 February at Milan’s San Siro Stadium and run until 22 February.
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