Italy plans to use the EU Council of Ministers for Sport meeting to highlight how flagship events—especially the 2026 Winter Olympics—can advance Europe’s identity, its sport model, and a culture of volunteering.
Presenting a report in Brussels, Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said the goal is to “amplify the social and economic impact of the 2026 Games from an EU viewpoint, weaving sport more tightly with youth, education, local communities, and regional authorities.”
Abodi added that high-profile competitions offer a chance to showcase and future-proof the European sport model, deliver a lasting legacy, and project the Union’s core values on the global stage.
The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will highlight the vital contribution of volunteers in delivering major international events. As noted in information from the Italian government. “The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will also be a unique opportunity to recognise the central role of volunteering. With the Team26 program, approximately 18,000 young Italian and international volunteers will be selected from 100,000 applications, who will play a fundamental role in all the competition venues, villages and official sites.”
The Olympic flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, on 26 November 2025, before making its way to Italy for a historic relay. Covering 12,000 kilometres, the torch will journey through all 110 provinces, carried by more than 10,000 torchbearers, before arriving at San Siro Stadium for the Opening Ceremony on 6 February 2026.
Milano Cortina 2026 is set to feature 16 sports across 116 events, promising an unforgettable spectacle when the Games begin on 4 February 2026. With sliding tracks already tested, preparations are not only on track, they’re ahead of schedule.
