UBUNTU

Sabato 7 Febbraio 2026 - giorno due delle Olimpiadi invernali Milano-Cortina.

Ecco il testo originale integrale in inglese del discorso tenuto da Kirsty Coventry ieri sera a San Siro.

È un discorso che molti hanno definito "storico" non solo per il contenuto, ma per il tono molto personale e diretto che ha scelto di utilizzare, parlando da atleta ad atleti.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry’s Speech – Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony

"Mr. President of the Republic, Dear Giovanni, Dear Athletes, Welcome to your Games!

Whether you are here in Milan, in Cortina, in Predazzo, or in Livigno: welcome! This is your moment. I know what it feels like—that indescribable mix of excitement and nerves. Your whole life of hard work, the early mornings, the sacrifices, and the defeats... it all comes down to this moment. I know that feeling: when you realize that you are here, you made it.

Be proud of the journey you have taken. And now, enjoy every second. Over the next two weeks, you will give us something special: you will show us what it means to be human. To dream, to fall, to rise again, and to respect one another. You will remind us that strength is not just about winning, but lies in courage, empathy, and heart.

You will not only create incredible memories: you will show the world how to truly live. This is why we love the Olympic Games. Through you, we see the best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave, that we can be kind, and that we can rise, no matter how hard we fall.

In Africa, where I come from, we have a word: Ubuntu. It means: 'I am because we are'. It reminds us that we are stronger together and that we only grow when we support each other.

In an era where much of the world is divided by conflict, your presence here proves that another world is possible. A world of unity, respect, and harmony.

Thank you for believing in the magic of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Flame, which has traveled across all of Italy, will now light your way and will burn for the first time in two different cauldrons, a symbol of a united and creative Italy.

Now it is your turn. These are your Games. We cannot wait to cheer for you and to be inspired by your courage. May your flame ignite hope and light our way!

Viva i Giochi Olimpici! Viva l'Italia!"

NE POSSIAMO FARE OGGETTO DI LETTURA E DI COMPRENSIONE NELLA PROSSIMA CLASSROOM DI let’s speak English with Emma