Italian President Sergio
Mattarella on Wednesday said the Tokyo Olympic Games will bring
new hope after the pandemic, giving "special value" to sport.
"These are the Olympics after the pandemic" and "at this time
they bring a baggage of hope that gives special value to sport",
Mattarella said during a ceremony to hand over the Italian flag
to Italy's flag-bearers.
"The history of the Olympics and Paralympics was crossed by
years of war, tension and even terrorism".
"These are the Olympics after a pandemic that compressed
social life worldwide and thus the feeling of hope, the desire
to restart is very much felt", Mattarella noted.
"All of Italy will follow you and be there with you," Mattarella
told the athletes.
Cyclist Elia Viviani and shooter Jessica Rossi are going to be
Italy's flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo
Olympics, while fencer Bebe Vio and swimmer Federico Morlacchi
will be Italy's flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the
Tokyo Paralympics. (ANSAmed).
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