From Maggiore to Como, the symbolic journey toward Milan–Cortina 2026, rooted in identity, community and sustainable development, started here
The Olympic flame’s journey through the lakes was designed to amaze with creative and by-no-means banal decisions, taking full advantage of the potential of an area packed with incredibly beautiful places which have something unique to offer, as compared with other similarly beautiful places: their lakes. Water here does not divide the area’s wonders. It unites them on a global level. Our objective is to make NaviLaghi a centre-stage player in the deseasonalising of lake tourism. I’m pleased that the area’s institutions, provinces, local councils and chambers of commerce share an objective which moves in the direction of increasing the socio-economic quality of this lake area and its people. The flame passing through is a huge visibility opportunity, enabling the places involved to promote themselves during periods of lower tourism and it is one that I hope all tourist sectors will take up. Additionally, the area will play a centre-stage role in a global event in which schools, young people and communities will be protagonists and not just passive spectators.
I have underlined many times now that the work we are doing is not solely a matter of the Olympics and will leave something behind in the towns concerned, a tangible and lasting legacy of infrastructural and cultural assets which will remain in the collective memory, and in perceptions of the areas as central to Italian identity, for some time to come. For many areas, especially those which will not be directly hosting competitive events, the flame is an opportunity to contribute to Italy’s Olympic story. The flame’s journey through the lakes has two-fold value, then, both local and global at the same time. It embodies a way of raising awareness of our area, our customs, our food and our dialects and is a beauty and value rediscovery opportunity. I strongly believe that the power of great events such as the Olympics is this: bringing people together and getting them involved, even in the smallest villages, showing that the country is capable of growing together. The flame is not just a fleeting symbol. It’s a signal lighting up identities and belonging.
