Italy’s National Olympic Committee has received its official invitation to Milano Cortina 2026. At Milan’s Teatro Strehler, during the “One Year to Go” celebrations, IOC President Thomas Bach formally presented invitations to National Olympic Committees and leading winter athletes for the Games, which will take place in Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige from 6–22 February 2026.

Bach symbolically handed over invitations to representatives of Greece, birthplace of the Olympic Games, and to NOCs of host nations for recent and future editions: Australia (Brisbane 2032), China (Beijing 2022), France (Paris 2024 and French Alps 2030), Italy (Milano-Cortina 2026) and the United States (Los Angeles 2028 and Salt Lake City-Utah 2034). Receiving Italy’s invitation were CONI President and IOC member Giovanni Malagò, swimming legend and IOC member Federica Pellegrini, and Beijing 2022 Olympic curling champion Amos Mosaner, representing all Azzurri athletes.

In his address, Bach said: “Athletes are at the heart of the Olympic Movement. What better way to honour our ancient heritage and affirm our faith in the future than by bringing together Olympians representing our Greek roots and the hosts of past and future Games? They embody the continuity of the Olympic Games, rooted in history and always looking to a brighter tomorrow. Milano, Cortina and our Italian friends are ready to welcome the world’s best winter athletes with renowned Italian hospitality and their passion for sport”.

Some 2,900 athletes from over 90 nations are expected at Milano-Cortina 2026. Bach, who also met with President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and visited CONI’s Olympic Training Centre during his stay, underlined Italy’s growing enthusiasm: “Excitement is rising and has already reached millions. Programmes such as Italia dei Giochi, Gen26 and the Olimpiadi della Cultura are spreading Olympic values, promoting active lifestyles and merging sport and culture. The Torch Relay will bring the Olympic flame to every province of Italy. The volunteer programme has already drawn almost four times as many applications as available places — proof of the immense passion for these Winter Games”.

He added: “Milano-Cortina 2026 will be the first Winter Olympics and Paralympics to fully benefit from the reforms of our Olympic Agenda. Together with our Italian partners and friends, we look forward to Games that will pulse with Italy’s passion for sport and showcase its unique culture and heritage”.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Matteo Salvini, Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Cortina Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi, Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana, Veneto Governor Luca Zaia, Trento Province President Maurizio Fugatti and Bolzano Province President Arno Kompatscher.

Bach closed by praising the host venues: “Competitions will be held in iconic locations steeped in winter sports tradition, many of which already stage world-class events every year. Cortina, Livigno, Val di Fiemme, Bormio and Anterselva are synonymous with winter sport. Milano-Cortina 2026 brings the Games to places where winter sport is part of local identity — perfectly in line with our Olympic Agenda, making the very best use of existing world-class facilities”.

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