Italian sport is celebrating 100 years of CONI. A special birthday in an exceptional setting, a triumph of emotions, sounds and colours, with the flag waving proudly in the background. The festivities started today, with the Game Open, the celebrations for the historic Centenary: a glittering Foro Italico, with the facilities open to citizens, greeted the first of three days of action called to honour the Italian National Olympic Committee. Thousands of children have invaded the Olympic stadium and the other facilities as part of a day that involved 92 provinces, 500 municipalities, 43 federations, 17 associated sport disciplines 15 promotional bodies and 16 praiseworthy associations. The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, accepted the embrace of the people, performing in the stands of the various Federations with demonstration trials popular with the many children present. From the Olympic Stadium to the Tennis Centre Court packed with smiles, flashes and lots of sport, being the main feature of a unique day.

Malagò, who was visibly proud, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the event. “Today there is a special atmosphere because tomorrow we celebrate 100 years. We have to leave a mark and make it a tradition. That's why I have requested that we do it again every year: we must continue to do this more and in a better way. What especially brings me great happiness and joy is that this wonderful place, the Foro Italico, is turning into a public place open to all, as indeed it should be. It is a beautiful spot and a great advert for all sports and disciplines. What counts today is that there are young people, the protagonists of grassroots sports. I have seen the handball team of Futura Roma, which is by far the biggest team there is. I saw the young men from the Italian volleyball club, the national bridge club, the men's chess and draughts club and many other important disciplines and I've seen the young guys from the basketball club”. In the afternoon, the President will participate in - among other things - the sound installation, with a live performance, on the Ponte della Musica, while at 8pm the day ends with the second internal World League challenge of the Azzurri against Poland, which will be played exceptionally outdoors in one of the temples of world tennis, the Foro Italico’s Centre Court. In anticipation of the official ceremony that will take place tomorrow (from 5:30pm), cheered by the notes of the Italian Air Force Band, by the passing of the Frecce Tricolori (Tricolour Arrows) on the Foro Italico, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano. A festive tricolour that writes history by celebrating it

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