Bambino della Neve: Inno a San Siro con Pausini e Fondisti Storici

The opening ceremony of the Games unfolded against a backdrop of logistical challenges, yet was marked by poignant symbolism. An 11-year-old boy, Riccardo, who was removed from a bus for lacking an Olympic ticket and subsequently walked six kilometers in the cold to return home, became a central figure in the televised event. He appeared alongside a mountain chorus, in sync with a performance by Laura Pausini from San Siro stadium in Milan, and alongside legendary skiers Pietro Piller Cottrer, Fulvio Valbusa, and Giorgio Di Centa.

The Stage is Set

The evening began an hour before the live broadcast with a parade of local associations, followed by crowds gathering behind barriers, including a musical corps and representatives from Cortina d’Ampezzo’s historic districts. Corso Italia served as a central pathway for the event, while Piazza Angelo Dibona became a focal point for recognition. Approximately one thousand athletes—representing alpine skiing, curling, bob, luge, skeleton, and biathlon (with biathlon events held in Anterselva)—paraded past a circle near the town hall.

Did You Know? Cortina d’Ampezzo previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956, and it was there that Giuliana Minuzzo Chenal became the first woman to pronounce the athlete’s oath.

Federica Brignone, a skier, and Amos Mosaner, a curler, carried the Italian flag, with Brignone positioned on Mosaner’s shoulders, leading the procession of 92 delegations. Franco Nones, a skiing legend, and Martina Valcepina, a short track speed skater, carried the Olympic flag. As the five Olympic rings were raised, the Olympic anthem played simultaneously in Cortina, and Milan.

The Pledge

The solemn oath-taking ceremony, a tradition first held in Cortina in 1956 with a female athlete, Giuliana Minuzzo Chenal, was renewed. Seventy years later, the honor fell to curler Stefania Constantini and luger Dominik Fischnaller, alongside coaches Elisabetta Biavaschi (alpine skiing) and Maurizio Marchetto (figure skating), and judges Gabriele Toldo and Raffaella Locatelli. They jointly pledged to compete with respect for the rules of the Games.

Expert Insight: The inclusion of athletes, coaches, and judges in the oath underscores a commitment to fair play and the integrity of the competition, extending responsibility beyond just the competitors themselves.

Dignitaries and Reflections

Attending the event were local political figures including Vice Governor Lucas Pavanetto, Undersecretary Luca De Carlo, former parliamentarian Roger De Menech, and former minister Federico D’Incà, all guests at an aperitif hosted by the Fondazione, led by Stefano Longo. Prefect Antonello Roccoberton expressed pride in Cortina’s role, despite the main spectacle taking place in Milan. Roberto Padrin, President of the Province, highlighted the achievement of a small town of six thousand residents hosting the world. Don Ivano Brambilla, a local priest, noted the potential for Christian values like loyalty, friendship, and peace to be found within the Games, while also welcoming Father Johannes Lackner, chaplain of the Austrian national team, who expressed a desire to meet Kristian Ghedina.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role did Riccardo, the 11-year-old boy, play in the opening ceremony?

Riccardo, who was initially denied access due to a missing ticket, became a symbolic figure representing the challenges and spirit of the Games, appearing on stage alongside performers and athletes.

Which athletes carried the Italian flag during the parade of nations?

Skier Federica Brignone and curler Amos Mosaner carried the Italian flag, with Brignone positioned on Mosaner’s shoulders.

Where did the oath-taking ceremony take place?

The oath-taking ceremony took place entirely in Cortina, continuing a tradition that began there in 1956.

As night fell, a fire burned beside the iconic bell tower, prompting reflection on whether this moment, too, might have once seemed like a distant dream.