The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games officially began as IOC President Kirsty Coventry declared the start of the Games during the opening ceremony in Italy.
Milan | By Sayer Zaland
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games officially opened on February 6, marking the start of a global sporting event that will unfold across multiple Italian host cities over the next two weeks.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry welcomed athletes, officials, and audiences worldwide, formally launching the Games in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno. Her address framed the Olympics not only as a sporting competition but as a shared human moment rooted in resilience, respect, and unity.
Addressing the athletes, Coventry described the Games as the culmination of years of sacrifice and preparation, calling on competitors to take pride in reaching the Olympic stage. She emphasized that Olympic excellence extends beyond medals, highlighting values of courage, empathy, and mutual respect as defining elements of the Olympic Movement.
Coventry also underlined the broader social significance of the Games, noting how moments of sportsmanship and perseverance offer lessons that resonate far beyond the field of play. Drawing on the African concept of ubuntu, she stressed the idea of collective humanity and interdependence, a theme she said is most visible during the Olympic Games.
The IOC President expressed gratitude to Italy, its public authorities, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee for delivering the Games, while also acknowledging the role of volunteers, partners, and media in bringing the Olympic spirit to life. She praised the nationwide Olympic torch relay, describing the flame as a symbol of hope and inspiration for athletes and spectators alike.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic lighting of the Olympic cauldron, officially signaling the beginning of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. With competition now underway, athletes from around the world will compete across Italy’s winter venues, as the Olympic spotlight returns to Europe.