22 November 2024 – The Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 welcomed 210 representatives from media organisations, National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Winter Sports Federations (IFs) to the World Press Briefing in Milan, Italy, this week. The briefing provided essential insights into Games-time media operations and an opportunity to explore some of the mountain venues.

Welcoming the delegates, Milano Cortina 2026 CEO Andrea Varnier said: “We know perfectly well that giving the media the best conditions to work and explain and communicate on not only the sporting events, but also what we want to do, with clarity and transparency, is essential to convey our vision and ultimately the success of Milano Cortina 2026.”

He continued: “We will offer you streamlined and efficient organisation, wonderful scenery, high-level venues, and, we truly hope, unforgettable [sporting] competition. And let me add, we will offer you as much as we can – the warmth of our Italian hospitality, the excellence and the variety of our food and wine, and the full capacity of our people to make you feel at home after a hard day’s work.”

The briefing, which took place between 20 and 22 November, was attended in person by representatives from across the world, with over 120 attendees also joining online. They received updates on various aspects of Games services, such as accommodation, accreditation, transport, press and photo operations.

Participants also had the opportunity to visit Bormio, which will host men’s Alpine skiing and ski mountaineering, and Livigno, which will stage freestyle skiing and snowboarding during the Olympic Games. Early season snow allowed guests to enjoy the full winter experience and see first-hand the final preparations being made in both locations ahead of the Games.

The tours and briefings highlighted the exciting opportunities offered by hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games across a vast and diverse landscape encompassing multiple cities, provinces and regions across northern Italy. This aligns with Olympic Agenda 2020, in particular the Organising Committee’s vision to deliver sustainable and innovative Winter Games by utilising existing venues already being used regularly for international events, and temporary structures. By adapting the Games to the host regions rather than the other way around, minimal new construction is required to deliver the competition venues.

World Press Briefings in host cities are essential components of the IOC and Organising Committees’ strategy, allowing media organisations and Olympic stakeholders to advance preparations to cover the Games from both a media and communications perspective. This ensures that athletes’ performances receive the recognition and coverage they deserve.

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026, and the Paralympic Winter Games from 6 to 15 March.

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