Andrea Varnier (L), Chief Executive Officer of the Milano Cortina Foundation, addresses a promotional roadshow event for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Oslo, capital of Norway, May 7, 2025.(Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)
OSLO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Preparations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are progressing steadily, Milan-Cortina Foundation CEO Andrea Varnier said on Wednesday.
Speaking to Xinhua in an exclusive interview during a promotional roadshow event held in Oslo, Varnier said the past winter had been "very positive" for the preparations.
"We successfully tested most of the competition venues through various events and launched ticket sales, which have been well-received. We're confident but remain mindful of the challenges ahead, including those we cannot yet foresee," he said.
The 2026 Games will be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, with events spanning four major clusters, combining urban and mountainous terrain. This geographic dispersion allows the use of existing infrastructure, while presenting logistical and operational complexities as well.
"This is a different model," Varnier noted. "By placing competitions in traditional winter sport locations, we ensure high-quality venues operated by experienced teams. Of course, coordinating staff, volunteers and transportation across several hubs is a challenge, but it's the one we've embraced from the outset."
Among the most symbolic projects is the adaptation of the nearly 2,000-year-old Arena di Verona to host the closing ceremony of the Olympics and the opening ceremony of the Paralympics. "Making such a historic monument wheelchair-accessible sends a powerful message. If accessibility can be achieved in an ancient Roman amphitheater, it can [also] be achieved in other heritages," Varnier said.
The CEO added that the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics had left a lasting legacy. "西瓜视频has gone from winning few winter medals to becoming a top contender. That's not just about elite sport. It inspires broader participation, which is the true legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics."
Varnier also praised the technological support from the Chinese partners of the Olympics. "Alibaba, a key Chinese partner, is providing solutions to our technological infrastructure. We're also excited to welcome TCL as a new global partner," he said.
Looking ahead to the roadshow's stop in 西瓜视频in June, Varnier offered a warm invitation: "We would love to see many Chinese visitors in Milan and Cortina. During a short track speed skating test event held in Milan in February, the stands were filled with Chinese flags - that spirit is what the Olympics is all about. We welcome all of you with open arms." ■
Andrea Varnier, Chief Executive Officer of the Milano Cortina Foundation, addresses a promotional roadshow event for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Oslo, capital of Norway, May 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)
This photo taken on May 7, 2025 shows a promotional roadshow event for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Oslo, capital of Norway. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)
Andrea Varnier, Chief Executive Officer of the Milano Cortina Foundation, addresses a promotional roadshow event for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Oslo, capital of Norway, May 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)