IOC President’s speech Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony

Good evening, Italy!

Dear President of the Italian Republic, Your Excellency, Sergio Mattarella,

Dear President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, my dear colleague and friend, Giovanni Malagò,

Your Excellencies and distinguished guests,

Dear athletes,

To all of you and everyone who is watching: welcome to Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games!

My fellow Olympians,

Whether you are here in Milano, in Cortina, Predazzo or Livigno: welcome to your Games.

This is your moment.

I know what it feels like – that mix of excitement and nerves. Your whole life of hard work, of early mornings, long days, sacrifices, setbacks – it all comes down to this. I know that feeling, when you realise – this is it. You’ve made it.

So first, be proud. Be proud of how far you’ve come. And now, take it all in. Enjoy it. Enjoy every second.

Over the next two weeks, you’re going to give us something truly special.

You’ll show us what it means to be human. To dream. To overcome. To respect one another. To care for each other.

You’ll show us that strength isn’t just about winning – it’s about courage, empathy and heart.

You will not only make incredible memories. You will reach your Olympic dreams – and you will show the world how to live.

This is why we all love the Olympic Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave. That we can be kind. And that we can get back up, no matter how hard we fall.

And to everyone watching, here in Italy and around the world – thank you for joining this moment. Thank you for believing in the magic of the Olympic Games.

When we see an athlete stumble and find the strength to rise, we are reminded that we can do the same.

When we see rivals embrace at the end of a finish line, we are reminded that we can choose respect.

When we see grace, courage and friendship – we remember the kind of people we all want to be.

The spirit of the Olympic Games is about so much more than sport. It is about us – and what makes us human.

In Africa, where I’m from, we have a word: ubuntu. It means: I am because we are. That we can only rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other.

No matter where you come from, we all know this spirit – it lives and breathes in every community.

I see this spirit most clearly at the Olympic Games. Were, athletes from every corner of our world compete fiercely – but also respect, support and inspire one another. They remind us that we are all connected, that our strength comes from how we treat each other, and that the best of humanity is found in courage, compassion and kindness.

So let these Games be a celebration of what unites us – of everything that makes us human.

This is the magic of the Olympic Games: inspiring us all to be the best that we can be – together.

Tonight, we are grateful to our gracious hosts, the Italian people, who set this spectacular Olympic stage with such passion and care.

To all the public authorities – and especially to the Italian government and its President – to the Organising Committee, and our Italian partners: your dedication, creativity and teamwork have brought us to the start line. And now together with our TOP Partners and Media Rights-Holders, we will spread the Olympic spirit around the world.

A very special shout-out to the wonderful volunteers! From the moment we arrived, you have made everyone feel so welcome. In the days ahead, your smiles and your energy will bring everything together – and bring the magic of the Games to life.

Thanks a million!

Since the Olympic flame was first lit, it has travelled across Italy – carried by thousands, celebrated by millions. Thank you to every torchbearer, and everyone who came out to cheer them on.

From north to south, east to west, the flame shines as a beacon of hope for all. Tonight, that flame will ignite the cauldron. Its light will shine for you, the athletes – and from you, it will spark inspiration across the world.

When I was an athlete, this was always my most favourite moment. Watching that flame light up in the night – that’s when I knew the Games were real. Now it’s your turn, my fellow Olympians. Now it’s your moment. It’s your Games.

We cannot wait to watch you, to cheer for you, to be inspired by you. To see your courage. Your strength. To see the best of humanity shine before the world.

Let your flame spark hope, let it ignite joy and light the way for all of us.

Grazie mille. Thank you.

And now, it is my great honour to hand over to the President of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Sergio Mattarella.