For the mayor of Desenzano, Guido Malinverno, the passage of the “Sacred Fire” sends a powerful message, highlighting sport as a means of dialogue and a symbol of local identity
Welcoming the torch of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, Lake Garda was transformed into a stunning Olympic setting. The journey was both tangible and symbolic, linking the shores of Italy’s largest freshwater lake. From Peschiera del Garda to Desenzano, where it was warmly embraced by a jubilant community, the flame’s journey along the lakeside created unforgettable images and moments, celebrating the bond between sport, the local landscape, and the spirit of the community. In this way, Garda proved capable of speaking to the world through the universal values of the Olympics.
In Desenzano del Garda, the olympic flame united the emotions of competition with the extraordinary symbols of unity it represents, turning the shores of Lake Garda into a global stage. “The passage of the Torch through our city was a moment of extraordinary emotion and profound significance,” commented the mayor, Guido Malinverno. “Welcoming this universal emblem places Desenzano del Garda at the heart of a story that speaks of peace, respect, commitment, and brotherhood among nations”.
The journey of the “Sacred Fire” was a collective embrace. As the torchbearers made their way along Lungolago Cesare Battisti, the city showed its very best side. From the setting of the Castle to Piazza Malvezzi, thousands of residents and tourists lined the streets behind barriers, creating an atmosphere of genuine celebration. A significant event that went beyond a fleeting experience, because, as Mayor Malinverno remarked with a touch of pride, “The olympic flame of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games sends a meaningful message, reminding us that sport is a tool for dialogue. Its presence has ignited a shared sense of pride, strengthening the community’s sense of belonging”
As the flame passed through the city streets, the eyes of onlookers shone with emotion, reflecting the pride and joy of the city’s leaders: “Seeing the flame travel through our streets, accompanied by the joy of our citizens, allowed us to rediscover the truest meaning of togetherness”.
The olympic flame is sure to remain in the hearts of the people of Desenzano, a city with a long-standing tradition of sport and international tourism. Indeed, the event also served as an international showcase, highlighting the value and significance of the local territory. “Watching the torch pass by the ancient Roman Villa and the modern piers was a poignant reminder that the Olympic values – excellence, respect, and friendship – are the deep roots on which the community’s future is built,” the Mayor remarked.
