Italy is ready for Olympic History, says IOC Chief

'Italy is ready to write the next chapter of its great Olympic history,' International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said during a ceremony in Milan, one year ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Thomas Bach, IOC president (male, English, 49 sec): "You are all setting the stage for the world's best winter sport athletes in an excellent way. Italy is ready, Italy is ready to write the next chapter of its great Olympic history. It is therefore, my great honour and pleasure to invite the best winter sport athletes of the world to come together in Italy to celebrate the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and to celebrate the Olympic motto Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together."

During the ceremony, the IOC President handed over invitations to presidents and representatives of National Olympic Committees and their top athletes to participate in the next Winter Games.