From large cities to small municipalities, from the snow tops of the Sella Ronda to the waters washing Lampedusa: the whole of Italy will be a protagonist in around two weeks time, when the Torino 2006 Olympic Torch Relay will depart from Rome. The largest itinerary event ever organised in Italy will involve 140 cities, 107 provinces and all the Italian regions. The official route was presented this week in Rome, in the presence of Giovanni Petrucci, CONI President, Raffaele Pagnozzi, CONI Secretary General, and Valentino Castellani, Torino 2006 President. The Olympic Torch Relay will start on Sunday from the Plain of Olympia. In this place, which was the scene of the Games celebrated by the Greeks since 776 BC, the first torchbearer will receive the Flame from the priestesses, in charge of lighting the sacred fire of the Olympic Cauldron through the original system consisting of mirrors. And then the appointment is set for December 8 in Rome, in Piazza del Quirinale.

It will not only be an Italian tour: The Olympic Torch Relay will involve other European states. Apart from Greece, on January 20th, the Olympic Torch will cross Slovenia and Austria (passing through Klagenfurt and Ljubijana), January 30th, Switzerland (Lugano) and France in Albertville on February 6th. On that day, the President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi will light the Torch held by Stefano Baldini, the first torchbearer of Torino 2006. A spectacular event which will precede the XX Olympic Winter Games and will end in Torino on February 10, date of the Opening Ceremony. “The Olympic Torch Relay – Giovanni Petrucci confirms – has a great importance, which is not only symbolic, and I am convinced that it will leave a deep mark in the memory and conscience of many.
 

The Flame will take the light and warmth of sport even to the darkest and coldest corners of our country, besides being a fantastic promotional event for the Games of Torino 2006. This is a wonderful opportunity to convey strong emotions and ideal and undisputable values, in order to improve the sports culture of our younger generation”. A Journey full of spectacular events and fascinating moments: from the Pope’s blessing in Piazza San Pietro to a moving homage by the Alpini (Italian alpine troops) to the victims of Vajont; from New Year’s Day in Naples, to setting out to sea from the Port of Genoa on board of the training ship Palinuro, to Maranello crossed on board a flashy Ferrari. 

A big sports festival and an extraordinary showcase for Italy and its natural, artistic and cultural beauties. “Thanks to the Olympic Torch Relay – Valentino Castellani remarked – we will take the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games throughout the whole of Italy”. In 64 days, the Relay will carry the Flame along the streets and squares of the whole of Italy. An 11,300km long route which will touch all the regions and regional capitals of the peninsula. And TOROC’s thank-you, above all, goes out to the local institutions. “Thanks to their collaboration - confirms Valentino Castellani, President of the Organising Committee – the Olympic spirit will be shared also by those Italians who will not have the opportunity to attend the competitions of Torino 2006. A unique opportunity for Italy, an unrepeatable event. The best way to psyche oneself up for the Games, fostered by the Values underlying the Olympics themselves: brotherhood, peace and unity among people."