President Mattarella’s Olympic Agenda: Village Visit and IOC Dinner with Leaders

Italian President Sergio Mattarella has embarked on a two-day visit to Milan, coinciding with the city’s preparations for the Olympic Games. His agenda includes a visit to the Olympic Village, interactions with athletes, and a state dinner with prominent leaders.

President Mattarella’s Olympic Agenda: Village Visit and IOC Dinner with Leaders

Visit to the Olympic Village

On the first day of his visit, President Mattarella will tour the Olympic Village, where athletes are currently residing. The Olympic Village will eventually transform into Italy’s largest student housing facility, accommodating 1,700 beds.

This venue has been developed on the site of a former railway station, known as Scalo Romana. It currently houses 37 national teams, with the deli area repurposed from an old locomotive repair facility. The six residential buildings for the athletes have replaced former train tracks.

During his tour, President Mattarella will be greeted by Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), and Mission Chief Carlo Mornati. He will also visit the Olympic Truce Mural, intended for signatures from athletes and delegations visiting the village.

Lunch with Italian Athletes

Before meeting the athletes, Mattarella will stop by the Italian Team’s meeting area to extend his greetings. Italy’s contingent consists of 77 athletes, sharing their building with teams from Austria, Slovakia, and Australia. Afterward, he will have lunch with them in the Olympic Village dining hall.

Dinner with World Leaders

The evening will see a state dinner hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry at Fabbrica del Vapore, at 7 PM. The event is set to attract around 500 attendees, including numerous heads of state.

Among the notable figures expected at the dinner are U.S. Vice President James David Vance, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Traffic restrictions will be implemented, and pedestrian access will be limited around the dinner venue. The Monumental Cemetery will also be closed to the public for the day.

Continuing the Weekend’s Events

On the following day, the president will inaugurate Casa Italia at 12 PM in Triennale, which will serve as the media headquarters for the Olympic Games. It is expected that Laura, President Mattarella’s daughter, will also attend.

Later in the evening, the grand inauguration ceremony at San Siro will take place at 8 PM, attended by approximately fifty heads of state, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This event will likely be one of the last major occasions held at San Siro before its demolition.

Logistical Arrangements and Protocols

The logistics team is preparing for the extensive list of notable attendees, with seating arrangements organized alphabetically by country. Notably, representatives from the upcoming host nations, France and the United States, will sit at the end of the line.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s attendance remains unconfirmed, and he may avoid sitting next to Vice President Vance due to recent diplomatic tensions.

This visit by President Mattarella underscores Italy’s dedication to the Olympic spirit and showcases the nation’s readiness for the upcoming Games.