-The Organising Committee of the next Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will reveal the Torch design simultaneously at the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka and at an event in Milano-

ROME, July 16, 2024 /ANSA=Kyodo JBN/ --

Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 and General Commissioner for Italy at Expo 2025 in Osaka, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on July 12, outlining the participation of Milano Cortina 2026 at the Italy Pavilion at the next World Expo in Japan.

A world stage for one of the most iconic milestones ahead of the Games. In April 2025, the Organising Committee of the next Winter Games will reveal the design of the Torch of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The unveiling will take place at the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, and in parallel during an event in Milan. This is a unique opportunity to convey the Italian identity in all its rich diversity and uniqueness in an international and forward-looking context.

"This agreement represents our commitment to promoting Olympic and Paralympic values at Expo 2025 Osaka," commented Mario Vattani, Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 in Osaka. "Sport is an important tool for social development and a means of dialogue with the world of creativity, industry and art. Sport is a reference point for many young people, those who will 'Design the future society for our lives,' which is precisely the theme of Expo 2025 Osaka."

"We are very proud to show one of the most significant and evocative symbols of the Games in Osaka: it will be a wonderful opportunity to inspire future generations and bring us closer to our great event," explained Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. The Olympic and Paralympic Torch and the Journey of the Flame unite everyone in sharing the values of sport. We are happy to experience such a special moment at the Osaka World Expo within the Italy Pavilion."

The Olympic and Paralympic Torch presentation event will be held simultaneously in Milan and Osaka, twin cities since 1981. This collaboration further strengthens the bond between Italy and Japan and reinforces the international collaboration of the two countries ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Expo 2025 Osaka will be held in Japan from April 13 to October 13 on the artificial island of Yumeshima. The theme of the upcoming World Expo is "Designing the Future Society for Our Lives," while that of the Italy Pavilion is "Art Regenerates Life."

The Milano Cortina 2026 Games, with a vibrant, dynamic and contemporary spirit typical of the Italian soul, encourages future generations to engage in sport and experience it as a tool that can transform their lives and improve the one of an entire community. And there is no more iconic symbol than the Olympic and Paralympic Torch to inspire and convey the spirit of the Games that will return to Italy after 20 years. A land of creativity, beauty and genius in which strength and passion come together to evolve and grow. The Italian Spirit that constantly looks to the future with sensitivity and enthusiasm to inspire people through sport.

The objective of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, in agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), the Cities of Milano and of Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Veneto Region and the Lombardy Region, the autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano, is to plan, organise, finance and implement the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Established on 9 December 2019, Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 is led by President Giovanni Malago and CEO Andrea Varnier.

Source: General Commissioner’s Office of Italy for Expo 2025 Osaka