From today to the Winter Olympics in China, in the name of "simplicity", but also of "safety" and "emotion".
Chinese President Xi Jinping did not miss the opportunity of the video message at the 139th session of the IOC, before the inaugural ceremony scheduled for today at 13 Italian time, to renew his promises in spite of the pandemic difficulties and the shadows linked to the diplomatic boycott US and allies, while Putin has arrived in Beijing.
The Olympic torch has begun the last relay and will arrive today at the stadium for the lighting of the brazier, then the spotlight will be turned on the athletes. For Italy there will be 118, they received a "good luck" from Undersecretary Vezzali.
THE CEREMONY - The Bird's Nest, the magnificent national stadium, theater of Usain Bolt's unforgettable record sprints in the summer, will once again welcome the official opening of the 24th edition of the Winter Games in Beijing today.
A ceremony curated by Zhang Yimou, who also in respect of the limitations imposed by Covid has focused on 3000 extras, chosen among ordinary people and especially among young people. And although nothing is leaking about the ceremony at the moment, it seems that the leitmotif will once again be the pandemic.
“Together for a shared future”, “Together for a shared future”, the strong and clear message contained in the Games slogan. Because the pandemic that has brought the world to its knees can only be eradicated in a joint effort.
THE FIRST RACES - In the meantime, among the races already started, Italy flies to 4 victories in as many matches played and remains alone at the top of the standings in mixed curling thanks to the victory of the blue couple Stefania Costantini and Amos Mosaner after the sixth end against the Czech Republic (10-2). "I think that winning a game with such a large score - explains Amos Mosanar - is a good boost of confidence for the next five games, it is certainly very important to see us first in anticipation of other games. Today we expressed our best".
(Unioneonline / vl)