The Winter Olympic Games will last until February 26. The XXV Winter Olympic Games started in Italy UN
On Friday, the XXV Winter Olympic Games officially opened in Italy, taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The opening ceremony was attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as the President of the General Assembly, Annalena Burbock.
The UN chief made a video message to the participants of the Games, in which he emphasized that the Olympic and Paralympic Games remain a symbol of human potential, teamwork, fair play and mutual respect.
“Thanks to your dedication and perseverance, we see what a united world can be – and what humanity can achieve when we strive for better,” he said.
The Secretary General also recalled the significance of the Olympic Truce, emphasizing that its essence is simple: “the only rivalry between states should take place in the sports arena, and not on the battlefield.”
He called on all parties to armed conflicts to respect this tradition, the importance of which was recently reaffirmed by the UN General Assembly.
“Let us strive together – for gold, but above all for peace,” Guterres emphasized.
Concluding the speech, the Secretary General wished the participants good luck: “Thank you and buona fortuna” .
According to media reports, the opening ceremony takes place at Milan’s San Siro stadium from 20:26 local time. The Olympics will last until February 26. The Winter Paralympic Games will take place in Italy in March.