(ANSA) - Rome, June 22 - President Sergio Mattarella on
Wednesday handed the Italian flag to Italy's flag-bearers for
the Rio Olympics and Paralympics, respectively swimmer Federica
Pellegrini and sprinter Martina Caironi, at a ceremony at the
presidential place featuring the two teams.
Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malagò
told Mattarella "the athletes will do their utmost to honour the
Azzurri colours" and said they "represent our country's pride".
Pellegrini said "I hope to realise even bigger dreams in
Rio".
Rio 2016: Mattarella hands flags to Olympic flag-bearers
Pellegrini and Caironi