The ceremony at the Quirinale. The Head of State: «We are very happy to have Federica Brignone ready and determined again»
Today at the Quirinale the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarellaentrusted the tricolor to the blue flag bearers Federica Brignone, Arianna Fontana, Amos Mosaner and Federico Pellegrinoin view of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics.
The ceremony was attended by a representation of athletes, coaches and staff, led by the President of CONI, Luciano Buonfiglioand by the President of the Italian Paralympic Committee, Marcus Giunio De Saints.
Also present was the General Secretary of CONI and Head of Mission at Milano Cortina 2026, Carlo Mornati. The President of the Republic, as soon as he entered, greeted the Italian athletes present in the front row, spending a few moments talking with Sofia Goggiayesterday returned to victory in the Ski World Cup. Then the ceremony began with the Mameli anthem sung
by a string quartet of the Rome Opera.
«It will be a unique event in our country. It is an event that returns to Italy after twenty years and this time it will remain within our borders, with a commitment: of a tricolor that will fly more and more. We can
and we want to write a unique page of Italian sport” underlined the president of CONI, Luciano Buonfiglio. «Choosing the four standard-bearers was a difficult decision that satisfies and displeases someone else – added Buonfiglio -. In Cortina, for example, I thought it was right to focus on an athlete, Federica Brignone, who thrilled and moved the whole of Italy, including you as President, for her incredible story of resilience.” Buonfiglio then concluded by announcing that Stefania Costantini, an Olympian in curling in China, “will read the oath in the opening ceremony”.
Great emotion on the part of the blue flag bearers once they received the flags from the head of state. In particular, she appeared very excited Federica Brignone who recalled “the long journey taken to get here” after the accident last April. It goes without saying how honored I am, I am also very excited because my race to be here was not easy and predictable”, added Brignone, referring to the injury that put her participation in the Games in doubt: “With this flag I will try to represent all the athletes through: respect,
determination, fun.”
«It was a real pleasure to welcome everyone to the Quirinale hall on the eve of the Games – underlined the head of state -. I thank the standard bearers who will carry the flags to Milan and Cortina, I thank them for their words. We are very happy to have Federica Brignone ready and determined again.”
