Diana Bianchedi, the Director General of Rome’s bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, used her first meeting with senior IOC officials to reinforce Rome’s message that the Games provide a once in a generation opportunity to transform the city.

Speaking at a two day workshop in Lausanne, the double Olympic gold medallist, told the IOC Rome will not only deliver a unique festival of sport but one which leaves a lasting legacy for the Italian capital and its people.

"We are coming back from Lausanne with great strength,” said Bianchedi. “We are sure that in order to change the future of our city and of young people through Rome’s bid, we must start now. "The issues on which we will base our bid are legacy, sustainability and transparency. We will work with all the organisations that can support us and make sure these goals become concrete.”

The IOC President Thomas Bach opened the workshop with a video message encouraging Rome to focus on the unique elements which characterise Italian culture in the world, its great artistic heritage and to promote the value of hospitality. 

He then focused on some aspects which Rome must keep in deep consideration in its communication: improving the quality of life of its citizens, delivering the long-term vision to the city, ensuring a unique experience for the spectators and to make sure athletes are the true heart of the project. The Rome team reassured the IOC that they are fully committed to all these values. Other topics covered included the venues, the ethical code and an initial evaluation of the Italian application file.

Bianchedi ended her first official international meeting since taking charge of the bid committee by thanking the representatives of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Region, Resources for Rome and the Agency for Mobility, which together with the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP) were also present in Lausanne.