The Olympic flame is being carried in Varese, Fontana says: "We'll show the world what it means to be Lombard."

VARESE The arrival of the Olympic flame in Lombardy symbolically marks the final countdown to one of the most anticipated sporting events of all time. The President of the Lombardy Region emphasized its historical and identity-building value. Attilio Fontana, present in Varese for the Olympic torch relay stage.

"With the arrival of the Olympic flame in Lombardy, we truly feel we're so close to the finish line: in 23 days, the most important sporting event in the world will begin, the one that was missing from our region's history and which we will soon have the honor of hosting," the governor declared. "We will demonstrate, once again, what it means to be Lombard and what our people are capable of."

The emotion of the Olympic flame in "his" Varese

For Fontana, the passage of the Flame through the garden city takes on a deeply personal significance. "I can't help but be deeply moved by this moment in my hometown of Varese," he added. "This Flame represents the realization of a dream that, as Lombardy, we have chosen to pursue with determination since 2019."

A long journey, made up of investments, planning, and strategic vision, which today finds its symbolic consecration with the entry of the Olympic torch into Lombardy.

The Olympics, not just sport: a legacy for the territories

The President reiterated that the Games are more than just 18 days of competition. "The Olympics are a unique and unrepeatable opportunity for our country: not just competitions, but a great legacy for the territories that host them," he emphasized.

Infrastructure, tourism development, valorisation of local excellence and growth of international attractiveness are some of the pillars on which Lombardy's Olympic legacy is based, in view of the Winter Olympics Milano Curtain 2026.

A journey that unites all of Lombardy

Stage after stage, the Flame will cross the entire region: from Varese to Brianza, from the lakes to the Alpine valleys, up to the mountains that will host the competitions. "Each region tells a story of excellence, hard work, passion, and know-how: it's our Lombard identity," Fontana explained.

A journey with strong symbolic value, capable of uniting communities, families, and young people in the name of sport, healthy competition, and peace.

Lombardy is ready to welcome the world

"Lombardy is ready. We are ready to welcome the most prestigious athletes and competitions, ensuring everything necessary to manage an event that will bring millions of people here, including athletes, staff, and tourists, as well as more than 3 billion television viewers worldwide," the president concluded.

The Olympic flame, which officially entered Lombardy on January 14, will conclude its journey in Milano on February 6, after having crossed the entire country, sealing the beginning of a new page in the sporting and institutional history of the region.