Milan-Cortina got the 2026
Winter Olympics Monday beating Stockholm-Aare in a vote by the
the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Italian bid beat the Swedish one 47-34 at the first IOC
ballot.
It will be 20 years since the last Winter Olympics in Italy,
in 2006 in Turin.
Premier Giuseppe Conte tweeted "we are proud of this great
result!
"Italy has won: a whole country that has worked united and
compact with the ambition of realising and offering to the world
a memorable sporting event. #2026Olympics #MilanCortina.
Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi said "great
satisfaction for the assignation of the 2026 Olympics!.
"It's an extremely important result for Italy, the fruit of
excellent teamwork, to which the foreign ministry and its
diplomatic network are proud to have contributed".
Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini said that "Italy, the future
and sport win: my thanks to those who believed immediately,
especially in the towns and regions, and a pity for those who
gave up.
"There will be at least five billion euros in added value,
20,000 jobs, as well as so many new roads and sports facilities:
with the winter Olympics we will confirm to the world our
excellence and our capacities".
President Sergio Mattarella applauded at length
Cortina-Milan's Olympic win.
Veneto Governor Luca Zaia said that the region had "already
started" its preparations for the Milan-Cortina winter Olympics
in 2026 and said "we always spoke to the government even at
difficult moments".
Landing the 2026 Winter Olympics will be an important
opportunity for Italy, Conte said earlier.
"Is it an examination for Italy?, he said.
"It's an exam, of course, there will be a verdict. But let's
keep things in proportion.
"It is an important opportunity for the country".
Conte added that the Milan-Cortina bid offered "tradition and
innovation".
He also said Italy was a "global model for sport".
Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) chief Giovanni Malagò said
"with Cortina and Milan, we will have Games for all".
Italian Mattarella said "you will all be at home in Italy".
"With Milan-Cortina the Olympic passion will grow," said
Mattarella.
Cabinet Secretary Giancarlo Giorgetti, who has the
government's sport portfolio, said:
"Studies done by the Bocconi, La Sapienza, Ca' Foscari
universities (in Milan, Rome and Venice respectively) say that
the economic impact of an event like the Olympics is important
for the economy of the regions (involved), for tourism".
"The Italian government gave all the (necessary) guarantees.
"It believes sporting events can be an engine of economic and
infrastructure development.
"The whole country believes in our bid".
Malagò had been optimistic from the start, saying the
presentation went well.
"Our answers were brilliant, effective," Malagò said.
"The IOC members were happy with what we said.
"They asked us about the post-Games legacy, the transport
system, the possibility of agreements with African and Asian
nations that are not very involved in the Winter Games and about
all the guarantees".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
