I extend a very cordial greeting to President Bach and to the members of the International Olympic Committee.
On behalf of Italy, I would like to reiterate to all of you and to all the delegates present in Lausanne for this 134 Session of the IOC the greatest support for the candidacy of Milano Cortina to host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Italy, with its long tradition of hospitality, is ready to welcome you in an alpine theatre of extraordinary beauty.
All athletes and spectators, who will participate confirming sport as a vehicle of friendship, peace and brotherhood between peoples, will feel at home thanks to a great enthusiasm.
The Games will be a great event, they will involve people of our towns and of our regions, interested, and will develop even more productive relationships between the Countries participants.
Passion and interest for the Olympic Movement and its values will grow and will spread further, in Italy and worldwide, with the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina.
Dear President Bach, as I have already had occasion to point out during our last meeting, Italy really appreciated the reforms developed by the IOC with Agenda 2020; and our candidacy is a valid testimony to this.
We await today's result with the greatest and most respectful attention. And I'm sure that, if you want to reward this project, the Olympic world will take the opportunity to live an exceptionally positive experience in Milan and Cortina in 2026.
